U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) on Jan. 22 sponsored a bipartisan bill that would establish the first federal program to provide local governments with resources to purchase containment devices that safely store narcotics.
“Police officers and first responders put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe,” Rep. Joyce said. “Unfortunately, while responding to calls, they are often exposed to lethal substances such as fentanyl.”
Specifically, the Protecting First Responders from Secondary Exposure Act of 2025, H.R. 621, which has five original cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Madeleine Dean (D-PA), would amend current law to authorize grants for providing training and resources for first responders on the use of containment devices to prevent secondary exposure to fentanyl and other potentially lethal substances, and for purchasing containment devices for use by first responders, according to the Congressional Record bill summary.
“I am proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to assist state and local governments with purchasing containment devices to protect first responders and police officers from secondary exposure,” said Rep. Joyce. “It is our duty to ensure that these men and women have all the necessary tools to keep themselves safe from these toxic drugs as they work every day to protect our communities.”
The bill has garnered support from the Sergeants Benevolent Association, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the National Association of Police Organizations, the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, Major County Sheriffs of America, the National Sheriffs Association, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, the Fraternal Order of Police, and the International Union of Police Associations.
“In our work to keep fentanyl out of our communities and help those with substance use disorder achieve recovery, first responders play a vital role, and can face exposure risks themselves as a result,” said Rep. Dean. “We must ensure their personal safety.”