Tina Polsky sees advance of chief priority to decriminalize drug testing strips

One of Sen. Tina Polsky’s chief priorities – decriminalizing fentanyl testing strips – is gaining traction as the Legislature opens this week.

The Boca Raton Democrat, who also represents northwest Broward County, has filed (SB 164) that would declassify the strips as “drug paraphernalia.” They reduce the harm of drug use by detecting fentanyl in other substances such as cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin so that people taking drugs don’t accidentally take fentanyl and risk an overdose, Polsky contends.

The legislation received unanimous approval at its first committee stop and Democratic Rep. Christine Hunschofsky of Parkland has introduced identical legislation (HB 165) in the House.

– Anne Geggis, Florida Politics