State Rep. Dean Knudsen Sets Listening Session in Hudson on Heroin-Related Bills

State Rep. Dean Knudson (R-Hudson) announced plans for a community listening session on four heroin-related bills he is supporting in the Wisconsin Legislature. 

The meeting is Monday, Jan. 13, 7–8 p.m., at Hudson High School auditorium. Also attending the session will be Hudson Police Chief Marty Jensen, St. Croix County Sheriff John Shilts, representatives from the St. Croix County Drug Court, and state Rep. John Nygren (R-Marinette), the bills' author.

Knudson's commented as part of his announcement: 

“Heroin is a real issue in our community. ... Tackling the heroin problem will take the cooperation of law enforcement, the medical community, our judicial system, and most importantly, our families. We all need to be a part of the discussion to raise awareness about an issue affecting communities of all sizes across Wisconsin.  The heroin epidemic is hitting every corner of our state, and we have certainly experienced the tragic consequences in our area.”

Here are the four bills: 

AB 445: Requires people who pick up opiate prescriptions to show a photo ID

AB 446: Allows more EMTs and first responders to administer Narcan, a drug that can help counter a heroin overdose

AB 447: Provides limited immunity from certain criminal prosecutions for a person who brings another person to an emergency room or healthcare facility, or calls 911 for a person who is overdosing

AB 448: Encourages the operation of community drug disposal programs statewide to accept and properly dispose of unwanted prescription drugs

Related: 

• Rep. Dean Knudson Backs Bills on Heroin Abuse, Awareness
• 'Stop the Pain' That Comes with Heroin: Open Letter to Hudson's Youth
• 'Heroin in Hudson': The Full Video
• Police: Hudson Has Got to Get Handle on 'Bizarre' Heroin Problem
• Greg Berg: My Last Words to My Daughter Were, 'Ellie, I Love You"