Bill plan recommends increasing sentencing for Michigan fentanyl crimes

Three Michigan lawmakers introduced a bipartisan plan to heighten sentencing recommendations for various narcotic drug crimes.

Reps. Sarah Lightner, R-Springport, Ann Bollin R-Brighton Township, and Angela Witwer, D-Delta Township, introduced a bipartisan plan to increase drug sentencing recommendations for heroin and fentanyl dealers.

House Bills 5124-26 would revise sentencing requirements for various narcotic drug crimes. The package includes a reclassification that would allow stricter sentencing recommendations for producing or distributing dangerous drugs like heroin and fentanyl, which have contributed to an increasing number of overdose deaths in recent years.

“The opioid epidemic hits close to home for many, and it’s truly devastating,” Lightner said in a statement. “We must come together to tackle this head-on. These drugs are taking lives, and it’s time to do something about it.”

A felony’s classification level factors into the sentencing decision after a criminal is convicted. The legislation aims to increase the felony class for crimes related to delivering or manufacturing heroin, fentanyl, or carfentanil. Lawmakers said a higher classification would increase the likelihood of tougher prison sentences for illegal drug producers and dealers.

Statewide, 3,096 Michiganders died of drug overdoses in 2021, while 2,892 died in 2022 of drug overdoses, state data says.

“The opioid crisis is a heart-wrenching tragedy that demands our attention,” Bollin said in a statement. “We must come together to protect our communities from heroin and fentanyl and combat the dealers who profit from the despair of others.”

Lawmakers credited a Jackson County family for their part in the legislative effort. After the death of his son, Andy, Mike Hirst founded a nonprofit called Andy’s Angels to increase awareness about opiate abuse and help people struggling with addiction.

Lightner also praised the family of the late Christopher Risner, a young man who used his own story of addiction and recovery to raise awareness and inspire hope. Risner died on Nov. 21, 2018, from fentanyl poisoning. Since then, his family has fought to have these changes made to state law.

“Chris worked with the Jackson Narcotics Enforcement Team, and wore a wire to turn his dealer in,” Julie Risner said. “After he was beaten and hospitalized, he then testified and helped put seven bad guys in prison. Those sentenced to witness intimidation got longer sentences than the dealer, who only got three years. Chris fought to his dying day to rid the streets of these dealers. He said the dealers would say, ‘it’s worth risking prison for a few years for the amount of money we make.’ Stricter sentencing guidelines would help deter these dealers.”

HBs 5124-5126 were referred to the House Criminal Justice Committee.