Harder’s Bill To Protect Law Enforcement From Fentanyl Exposure Signed Into Law

Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) announced that his bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting law enforcement from fentanyl exposure has been signed into law, unlocking $57 million annually through 2030 for overdose response training for local agencies. The Safer Response Act, co-led by Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17), was included in a broader package of substance use prevention and recovery legislation that passed the Senate in September. The package also launched a new nationwide initiative to combat the fentanyl crisis.

Fentanyl continues to pose a significant public safety threat. Despite recent declines, overdoses involving the synthetic opioid remain the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 45, killing nearly 50,000 people last year. The crisis has intensified the strain on emergency services, with up to one in five emergency medical service calls involving overdose responses. First responders also face elevated risks of accidental exposure and contamination during fentanyl-related emergencies. The Safer Response Act provides new technical assistance for local first responders, expanded training to help law enforcement and emergency medical personnel protect themselves in the event of exposure, and funding for outreach coordination teams to strengthen partnerships between public and private emergency response providers.

Harder has made combating the fentanyl crisis a legislative priority. He previously helped pass bipartisan legislation aimed at increasing penalties for fentanyl traffickers and is leading new efforts to close drug manufacturing loopholes used to evade prosecution. Earlier this year, he met with more than 200 narcotics officers from across the country, including California, at the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition 2025 Delegate Conference.