 Those convicted of trafficking or importing fentanyl could soon find themselves facing much longer prison sentences under a bill being considered in the Kentucky General Assembly. Representative Chris Fugate of Perry County, who is a retired state trooper, has introduced Dalton's Law, which would toughen sentences for those trafficking fentanyl and its derivatives. There's dangers not only to the people who are addicts, but there's danger to those who are innocent bystanders in restaurants and different places that these drugs may be used. There's also dangers to the EMTs, paramedics, firefighters, police officers and troopers that respond to the scenes of drug overdose. The bill would make importing fentanyl a Class C felony, punishable by 5 to 10 years in prison. It would also make those convicted of importing or trafficking more than one gram of fentanyl, ineligible for pretrial diversion. Finally, anyone convicted of trafficking or importing fentanyl would be ineligible for parole until serving at least 85% of their sentence, rather than the standard 50%. At Pikeville Medical Center, we believe that together we can make a difference in the fight against cancer. We are proud to have patients who have experienced successful outcomes over many years. As always, we believe in the power of faith. Pikeville Medical Center, where cancer can be defeated. The bill is named for 22-year-old Dalton Bishop, who died of a fentanyl overdose. Dalton took a pill that he thought was oxycodone. He took half of that pill. His autopsy showed us that that half a pill he took was 100% fentanyl. Yes, our son made a mistake, but he had no idea what he was getting from a friend would kill him. I don't consider his death an overdose. He was poisoned. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is believed to be largely responsible for a 56% increase in drug overdoses since last year. Officials say 71% of that increase is due to fentanyl.