Senator Mike Bernskoetter

6th Senatorial District

For Immediate Release: 

May 9, 2025

Capitol Building, Room 416

Jefferson City, MO 65101

Contact Kenny Ross: 

 573-751-2076

Fighting Fentanyl

With only one week left in session the Capitol has become a whirlwind of action. 

Amidst the chaos, I’d like to focus in on a single bill that I believe is so important in the fight against drugs – House Bill 49. This bill cracks down on fentanyl trafficking by reducing the amount someone needs to be carrying to be charged with trafficking drugs.

Fentanyl is an incredibly dangerous drug that is the driving force in overdose deaths in recent years. According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, it caused over a thousand deaths in the state in 2023. These numbers dwarf all other drugs, including heroin.

Any amount of fentanyl being trafficked into the state poses a threat to Missourians. Drug addiction is a serious problem that can drive people to desperation, leading to theft or violence. Not to mention these addicted individuals are victims of the drug themselves. They need help.

I believe a serious crackdown on fentanyl is necessary in Missouri and have supported HB 49 wholeheartedly to help combat the crisis and discourage drug trafficking in the state.

If you have any questions please reach out.

Please feel free to contact my office at 573-751-2076. For information about my committee assignments or sponsored legislation, please visit my official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Bernskoetter.