Aiken Lawmaker Tackles Drug Dealer Accountability with New Legislation
Aiken, SC – As Aiken County grapples with the devastating effects of the ongoing opioid epidemic, a local lawmaker is stepping up with a bold plan to hold drug dealers accountable for their actions. South Carolina Representative Melissa Oremus, a Republican from Graniteville, has pre-filed a new bill aimed at creating a strict new offense for those who sell illegal drugs leading to fatal overdoses.
An Urgent Response to Tragic Trends
Oremus’s bill, labeled H.B. 3391, was officially pre-filed on December 5. If passed, drug dealers who sell substances resulting in someone’s death from an overdose could face severe penalties, ranging from 10 to 30 years in prison. Under the proposed legislation, convicted individuals would not be eligible for parole or probation until they’ve served at least 10 years of their sentence.
“I’m introducing this legislation because it’s time to make drug dealers accountable for the harm they’re causing in our communities,” said Oremus. “We’ve seen an all-too-real increase in overdose deaths, and we can’t sit back and let this continue.” This past year, the numbers speak for themselves: Aiken County reported a staggering 130% increase in overdose deaths from 2019 to 2020, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
A Heavy Toll on the Community
Tragically, Aiken County recorded 100 overdose deaths in 2023 alone, with fentanyl appearing in a majority of those cases—83 fatalities were linked to this potent drug. Recent statistics show that nearly 89% of overdose deaths reported this year through July involved fentanyl, the largest contributor to overdose fatalities.
“I watched way too many people suffer from this,” Oremus expressed earnestly, acknowledging the heart-wrenching impact of overdoses not just on families but the entire community. Her concerns echo those of community members and law enforcement alike, with sheriff Marty Sawyer supporting the legislative initiative as a necessary step to combat the growing crisis.
Looking Beyond Aiken
Inspired by a similar law enacted in Georgia earlier this year, Oremus believes South Carolina has the opportunity to make meaningful changes through this legislation. In Georgia, Governor Brian Kemp signed a bill into law that addresses the accountability of drug dealers, which went into effect on July 1, 2024. Oremus sees the success of this Georgia initiative as a beacon of hope for South Carolina and, particularly, Aiken County.
“If they can do it there, why can’t we do it here? It’s time we start taking a stand,” Oremus declared passionately. With the South Carolina House set to resume on January 14, this bill will be one of many discussed as lawmakers continue to tackle pressing issues related to public safety and health.
The Path Forward
As legislators consider Oremus’s bill alongside various other pressing matters, community members are hopeful that decisive action will follow. The alarming increase in overdose deaths has sparked a dialogue around prioritizing public health and safety, making it a top priority for lawmakers moving into the new year.
Meanwhile, Oremus continues to rally support, emphasizing that addressing drug-related issues is a shared responsibility that transcends politics. “We’re all in this together, and if my bill helps save even one life, it will be worth it,” she concluded.
The proposed legislation’s future is yet to be determined, but one thing is clear: the fight against the opioid crisis in Aiken is just beginning, and representatives like Melissa Oremus are ready to lead the charge.
