A bill filed in the Tennessee General Assembly would classify fentanyl and its derivatives as chemical warfare agents like tear gas, nerve agents, and blister agents.
Tullahoma Republican Sen. Janice Bowling filed the senate bill this legislative session.
Under present law, it is a Class B felony for anyone to possess, develop, manufacture, produce, transfer, acquire, weaponize, or retain a chemical warfare agent.
The bill would add fentanyl to the list of “chemical warfare agents,” as well as several fentanyl derivatives: carfentanil, remifentanil, alfentanil, thiafentanil, or other fentanyl derivatives.
If found in violation, that would be a Class B Felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison and fines up to $25,000.
If passed, the bill would go into effect on July 1.
