In 2019, the Democrat-controlled Colorado legislature passed HB 1263, ultimately decriminalizing fentanyl. Since then, fentanyl deaths in Colorado have skyrocketed. Teenagers are being targeted by drug dealers with illicit fentanyl that kills almost immediately.

The recent deaths in Commerce City have brought to light the continued result of the Democrats’ soft on crime policies that are plaguing our state. To solve this crime tsunami, Republican Representative Mike Lynch has been working on a bill with District Attorneys that would increase the penalties for the manufacture and distribution of fentanyl. However, with one-party controlling Colorado state government, no solution can move forward unless Democrats acquiesce to having the conversation Republican legislators have been asking to have for months.

Statement from Colorado GOP Chairwoman Kristi Burton Brown: “With Democrats in charge of Colorado, teens will unfortunately continue to be targeted by drug dealers, and families all across our state will continue to suffer the violent and sudden loss of their loved ones. Our families can’t be safe until Democrats act and fix their terrible mistake. Sadly, Democrats legislators seem to be more focused on banning plastic forks than banning deadly fentanyl.