OKLAHOMA CITY – HB 1987, authored by House Democratic Caucus Whip Mickey Dollens, D-Oklahoma City, excludes drug testing strips for fentanyl or fentanyl related compounds from being classified as drug paraphernalia.

The bill passed the House this week and is headed to the Senate for further review.

“Fentanyl testing strips are an easy, smart way to give people at risk of fentanyl exposure more information to help keep them safe,” Rep. Dollens said. “These strips are reliable and can be a real lifesaver, providing users with a simple way to check for the presence of fentanyl. By testing for the drug, people can take steps to protect themselves and reduce their risk of overdose and death.” 

The bill states that fentanyl strips would not be considered drug paraphernalia.

According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), fentanyl is one of the leading substances involved in the drug overdose crisis in the state.

In 2019, there were 47 fentanyl overdose deaths. In 2022, the number of deaths skyrocketed to 300, according to the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN). 

According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), fentanyl is one of the leading substances involved in the drug overdose crisis in the State. In 2019, there were 47 fentanyl overdose deaths. In 2022, the number of deaths skyrocketed to 300, according to the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN). 

“Oklahoma is facing a serious addiction crisis and synthetic fentanyl is extremely deadly," Dollens said. "The hope of this bill is to save vulnerable Oklahomans who are struggling with addiction."

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