Overseers of heroin law appointed

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – House Speaker Greg Stumbo announced on Thursday that he has appointed four House members to oversee the implementation of Senate Bill 192.

State Rep. Denny Butler, who spent his career in law enforcement in Louisville, will serve as the House co-chair of the committee. Joining him are Rep. Joni Jenkins, D-Shively, and Rep. David Floyd, R-Bardstown. 

SB 192 calls for a mixture of increased access to treatment for addicts and tougher penalties for traffickers.  Among its provisions are a local-option needle exchange program, which several communities are moving forward to offer, including Louisville and Lexington.

The bill also encourages an expanded use of Naloxone, which can reverse opioid overdoses if administered in time; and much longer prison sentences for those convicted of selling large amounts of heroin.

“I’m proud to serve as the committee’s co-chairman, because making sure this law fulfills its potential is crucial,” Rep. Butler said.  “All of us serving on this committee feel the same way, and I’m looking forward to serving with them.”