Stronger Penalties for Fentanyl Dealers and Domestic Abusers: Two Key Wins for
Nebraska Families
This session, the legislature took a strong stand to protect Nebraska families from the deadliest threats facing our communities. Two critical public safety measures I championed have now become law, delivering real results where it matters most.
I was pleased to see my fentanyl sentencing enhancement successfully pass as part of Senator DeKay’s LB 795, with a final vote of 32 to 14. LB 817 aligns the weight-based penalties for fentanyl distributors and traffickers with those currently in state statute for other exceptionally hazardous drugs including methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin. Fentanyl use results in far more overdose deaths than all other drugs combined. Even in
very small amounts, fentanyl can be deadly, yet under current law traffickers faced lighter penalties than those distributing methamphetamine or cocaine. LB 817 fixes this inequity.
When I added these enhancements to LB 795 as an amendment on Select File, the amendment was filibustered and ultimately brought to cloture before moving forward. I still struggle to understand why anyone would oppose stronger penalties for those distributing such dangerous drugs that have devastating and possibly deadly consequences. LB 795 also designates bromazolam as a controlled substance, addressing the growing threat of new synthetic drugs entering our Nebraska communities. I want to give special thanks to Senator Barry DeKay for allowing me to include these important fentanyl enhancements in his bill.
LB818, which was included in the Judiciary Committee bill, strengthens protections against domestic violence. Nebraska continues to see an increase in domestic violence cases, a troubling trend that we cannot ignore. Last year alone, Nebraska saw 30 domestic abuse related victim deaths. LB818 strengthens Nebraska’s domestic violence laws by increasing penalties for the most serious assault offenses and for repeat offenders, to include reckless conduct with a dangerous instrument that causes bodily injury. Importantly, it ensures that prior convictions from other states, tribal, or federal courts count toward enhanced penalties, so offenders cannot escape consequences based on where previous crimes occurred.
Both of these bills address serious threats facing Nebraska families. Fentanyl is driving overdose deaths across our state, often involving unsuspecting victims who don’t know what they’re taking. Domestic violence continues to devastate families, and repeat offenders too often exploit gaps in our laws to avoid accountability. LB817 and LB818 provide law enforcement and prosecutors with stronger tools to protect our communities and hold dangerous offenders accountable.
By prioritizing public safety, we took significant strides to make Nebraska a safer place. I am proud of the progress we achieved and grateful for the bipartisan support that moved these bills forward. These measures directly address the concerns of real Nebraska families, parents who have suffered the loss of children to fentanyl-laced pills and families who live in fear.
Thank you for your continued trust and support as we work to build a safer Nebraska for
all families.
Respectfully,
Senator Tanya Storer
