Joyce, Dean Introduce Legislation to Protect First Responders from Secondary Exposure to Fentanyl and Other Lethal Substances

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) introduced the Protecting First Responders from Secondary Exposure Act of 2025 alongside Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04). This bipartisan legislation aims to help state and local governments purchase containment devices, which are used to safely store narcotics and preserve them for evidentiary use, and provide subsequent training to reduce first responders’ risk of secondary exposure to lethal substances in the line of duty. The bill would establish the first federal program to provide local governments with resources to purchase containment devices. Companion legislation was introduced by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). 

“Police officers and first responders put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. Unfortunately, while responding to calls, they are often exposed to lethal substances such as fentanyl,” said Congressman Joyce. “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. 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.”

“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,” Congressman Dean said. “Medical professionals and law enforcement work tirelessly to keep our friends, neighbors, and families safe, and we must ensure their personal safety. I am grateful to Congressman Joyce, Senator Klobuchar, and Senator Grassley for their partnership on this bipartisan bill to provide protective equipment to those on the front lines of the opioid epidemic.”

“Law enforcement officers and first responders work tirelessly to protect our communities. The federal government should do all we can to ensure these brave individuals are equally protected,” said Senator Grassley. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to equip state and local governments with tools to safeguard officers and responders from lethal narcotics exposure.”

“As we continue fighting the fentanyl epidemic, we must also protect the health and safety of our first responders who are on the front lines responding to this crisis,” said Senator Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan bill does this by giving first responders the resources necessary to prevent secondary exposures with lifesaving containment devices.”

First responders are at risk of exposure to fentanyl and other lethal substances through inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, contact with needles, or contact via the nose, eyes, and mouth. There have been numerous reports from around the country where first responders have been exposed to lethal substances. In 2017, a police officer in Ohio overdosed after coming into contact with fentanyl while on a drug call. Containment devices will aid local law enforcement and first responders by protecting them from potential exposure. The Protecting First Responders from Secondary Exposure Act would enable state and local governments to use federal grants to purchase containment devices so that first responders can safely store potentially lethal devices and preserve them for use as evidence in criminal prosecution. 

Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Kim Schrier (WA-08), and Claudia Tenney (NY-24) joined Congressman Joyce in introducing this important legislation.

The bill is endorsed by Sergeants Benevolent Association, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, National Association of Police Organizations, National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, Major County Sheriffs of America, National Sheriffs Association, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, Fraternal Order of Police, and International Union of Police Associations. 

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