Broward County Commission Regular Meeting

MOTION TO ADOPT Resolution, the title of which is as follows: (Mayor Sharief)
 
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR RECENTLY SIGNED HOUSE BILL 477, WHICH PROVIDES MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCES FOR THE POSSESSION OF FENTANYL, INCLUDES FENTANYL DERIVATIVES AS SCHEDULE I CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES, AND EXPANDS THE DEFINITION OF MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE TO INCLUDE UNLAWFUL KILLING RESULTING FROM THE UNLAWFUL DISTRIBUTION OF FENTANYL OR SCHEDULE I CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

(Per the Tuesday Morning Memorandum, Mayor Sharief requests the following changed to her item:  Remove from the item the words: “provides mandatory minimum sentences for the possession of fentanyl,” and add after the word, “includes”… the words: “fentanyl and …”

(Commissioners Bogen, Geller, and a member of the public pulled this item.)

ACTION:  (T-11:45 AM)  Following Board discussion and public comments, Mayor Sharief withdrew this item.  (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)

Formal Board approval is necessary for the adoption of a Resolution.

Enables the adoption of the above Resolution expressing support for state and local law enforcement in combating the opioid epidemic through House Bill 477.

The opioid epidemic is an issue of great concern for all residents of Broward County and the State of Florida. The proposed Resolution attached as Exhibit 1 demonstrates the Board's support for the provisions of HB 477 enumerated in the Resolution that provide stiffer penalties for possession of illicit drugs contributing to the opioid crisis, specifically fentanyl and its derivatives, and permits prosecution of unlawful distribution of fentanyl and its derivatives which leads to the unlawful killing of a human being. Through the Resolution, the Board also expresses its support for local and state law enforcement in combating the opioid epidemic and empowering the prosecution of those responsible for distributing and dealing illicit substances that contribute to the opioid crisis.