Senate panel OKs bill to combat heroin use

A bill aimed at tackling Kentucky’s growing heroin problem has cleared a legislative committee and appears on a fast track in the state Senate.

The measure advanced out of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.

The bill would funnel millions of dollars into treatment programs at county jails and community mental health centers to try to free heroin users from addiction.

It calls for tougher punishment for traffickers, who would have to serve at least half their sentences before being eligible for parole.

The bill’s supporters included Jessica Tomlin, whose sister died of a heroin overdose. Tomlin says her sister would have benefited from a jail-based treatment program while she was incarcerated.

Senate President Robert Stivers says the bill is scheduled to be voted on in the Senate as soon as Thursday.