(PHOTO COURTESY OF BISHOP FAMILY)
FRANKFORT — Barren County native Dalton Bishop died nearly two years ago after he injested fentanyl, and lawmakers are using his death to change a certain law.
“Dalton’s Law” toughens eligibility criteria for parole, probation, shock probation and conditional discharge. It amends KRS 218A.1410.
“Dalton’s life ended in tragedy, but his life still has meaning as we fight to end the scourge of drug addiction and hold those who deal drugs accountable,” said Steve Riley, representative for Kentucky’s 23rd District.
The bill was passed by the state House of Representatives and Senate. It heads to Gov. Andy Beshear’s desk next.
If the governor signs the bill into law, it will increase the minimum time served from 50 percent to 85 percent before those who are found guilty of trafficking can be eligible for certain terms of release. It will also make those individuals ineligible for pretrial diversion.
Fentanyl is an opioid analgesic, which means it is a pain reliever. It is about 80 to 100 times stronger than morphine, according to the DEA. Minute amounts are often fatal.
