OLYMPIA — The fentanyl crisis is on the proverbial docket for the 2024 Washington Legislative Session. 

Rep. Sam Low, R-Lake Stevens, has introduced House Bill 2002 which would make it a gross misdemeanor — a class C felony if a minor is involved — to knowingly or intentionally exhale the smoke of fentanyl, methamphetamine or their derivatives in a public space or within 10 feet of another person. 

"The pervasiveness of fentanyl and meth poses a clear and present danger to the health and safety of all Washingtonians," Low said in a Dec. 27 press release from his office. 

Opioids such as fentanyl have been in headlines regularly in recent months as reports from organizations such as the Washington Poison Center and similar agencies indicate a large rise in the number of overdoses and poison control calls. Within the state of Washington, according to the WAPC, fentanyl is most often found in pressed pills that are blue in color and resemble legitimate medications. About two milligrams of the drug is considered a lethal dose of fentanyl and a packet of artificial sweetener, as a reference, is about 1,000 milligrams.

Nationwide, according to the WAPC, about 295 deaths on average occur due to synthetic opioid overdoses. Often, according to the agency’s annual report, users of other substances are unaware of fentanyl or other opiates being laced into the substance they intended to use.

While Naloxone and similar antidotes are available to treat opioid overdoses, they aren’t always at hand when needed, leading to death or hospitalization. Additionally, area law enforcement carries Naloxone but may need to administer it to themselves if exposed to opioids in the line of duty. 

According to the release from Low’s office, WAPC has indicated that all age groups in the state have experienced increased exposure to dangerous narcotics, including fentanyl. 

"While addiction grips adults across the state, the tentacles of this crisis reach far beyond, endangering the lives of even the most innocent — our babies and toddlers. We must do more to protect them and others from exposure to these deadly poisons. We can do that through this bill, which would hold individuals accountable for putting their fellow citizens at risk,” Low said.

If you think someone you know has come into contact with a controlled or otherwise dangerous substance and needs assistance, contact the Washington Poison Center at 800-222-1222.