VIDEO | Rep. Joshua Penner demands action for children exposed to fentanyl | Amendment 2105 to SB 5998
Rep. Joshua Penner, R-Orting, delivered a sobering floor speech to advocate for children trapped in dangerous environments, moving Amendment 2105 to the supplemental operating budget (Senate Bill 5998). The proposal was designed to reform the “imminent physical harm” standard within the Keeping Families Together Act by funding the implementation of House Bill 1092. This safety reform focuses on ensuring that children facing abuse, severe neglect, or exposure to high-potency synthetic opioids like fentanyl are removed from life-threatening situations.
Penner presented a haunting account of fatalities involving infants and toddlers, citing official reports where children were found unresponsive in beds with drug paraphernalia or died from fentanyl and meth toxicity shortly after the state chose not to remove them. He argued that current state policy places an excessively high barrier on social workers, requiring them to clear dozens of hurdles even when lethal substances are present in a home.
The amendment would have increased funding across several state agencies to prioritize child safety over the current standard that often leaves children in homes with known drug use.
Penner reminded the House that the state is already budgeting $42.9 million for lawsuits related to child deaths and injuries, stressing that the legislature must listen to social workers who say the current system is not working. Following an emotional debate, the amendment was not adopted.
