OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation that could prevent fentanyl overdose deaths was signed by Governor Kevin Stitt and will go into effect on November 1st of this year.

House Bill 1987, authored by Democratic Whip Rep. Mickey Dollens, D-Oklahoma City, would allow Oklahomans to carry fentanyl test strips legally without the strips being considered drug paraphernalia.

“Pleased to announce that HB1987 was signed into law, decriminalizing fentanyl test strips. This ‎harm reduction bill will help prevent overdoses, assist with rehabilitation, and save lives. Nonprofits can now ‎distribute these strips without fear or lawsuits. A crucial step forward,”‎ Rep. Dollens said.

According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, fentanyl is one of the leading substances involved in the drug overdose crisis in Oklahoma. In 2019, there were 47 fentanyl overdose deaths. In 2022, the number of deaths ballooned to 300 according to the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics.

“Fentanyl testing strips are an easy, smart way to give people at risk of fentanyl exposure more information to help keep them safe,” Dollens explained. “These strips are reliable and can be a real lifesaver, providing users with a simple way to check for the presence of fentanyl. By testing for the drug, people can take steps to protect themselves and reduce their risk of overdose and death,” Rep. Dollens added. “Oklahoma is facing a serious addiction crisis and synthetic fentanyl is extremely deadly. The hope of this bill is to save vulnerable Oklahomans who are struggling with addiction.”