HB 2469
Initials AG/KM Page 1 Health & Human Services
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fifty-sixth Legislature
First Regular Session
HB 2469: fentanyl; border; public health crisis
Sponsor: Representative Montenegro, LD 29
Committee on Health & Human Services
Overview
Declares fentanyl coming across Arizona's borders as a public health crisis and directs the
Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS) to do everything within its power to stem the crisis.
History
DHS aims to promote, protect and improve the health and wellness of individuals and
communities in Arizona. The agency strives to set the standard for personal and community health
through direct care, science, public policy and leadership. DHS operates programs from the
following areas: 1) disease prevention and control; 2) health promotion; 3) community public
health; 4) environmental health; 5) maternal and child health; 6) emergency preparedness; and
7) regulation of healthcare intuitions and facilities.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) describes fentanyl as a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100
times stronger than morphine. It is listed as a narcotic drug in statute (A.R.S. § 13-3401).
According to the CDC, the number of overdose deaths involving synthetic opioid in 2020 was
more than 18 times the number in 2013. More than 56,000 people died from overdoses involving
synthetic opioid in 2020.
Provisions
1. Deems fentanyl coming across Arizona's borders as a public health crisis and that DHS must
do everything within its authority to stem the crisis. (Sec. 1)
☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note