Buckeye Reporter

A bill supported by Senator Jon Husted aimed at addressing fentanyl trafficking has been signed into law. The HALT Fentanyl Act, which Husted helped advance in the Senate on March 14, 2025, passed the House of Representatives on June 12, 2025.

The legislation makes permanent a temporary class-wide scheduling order for fentanyl-related substances. This measure is intended to close loopholes that drug traffickers have used to avoid prosecution.

"Far too many Ohio families have grieved the loss of a loved one to fentanyl-related overdoses. With the HALT Fentanyl Act now law, our law enforcement heroes can crack down on criminal drug cartels, get this drug off our streets and prevent more families from experiencing these unimaginable tragedies," said Husted.

Fentanyl was linked to 95% of opioid-related deaths in Ohio in 2023.

The new law also aligns with Husted’s broader support for stronger border policies. According to supporters, recent actions by the current administration have resulted in record low illegal crossings and assisted law enforcement efforts against fentanyl trafficking. The Republican Senate budget law increases funding for border patrol agents, upgrades facilities, and enhances air and marine operations used to intercept drug traffickers and screen foreign nationals entering the United States.

The full text of the bill is available here.