My son Tristan was 16 years old, an exceptionally intelligent young man who earned his high school diploma at just 15, graduating with honors. He had such a promising future, set to start community college in the spring. Tristan was not only academically gifted but also athletically inclined, playing both football and baseball.

However, on Christmas night, a group of adults handed Tristan a fatal dose of Fentanyl, and he tragically died. This incident shattered my live, and it's moments like these that emphasize the urgent need for change.

Parker's Law, as it currently stands, doesn't provide the necessary accountability for those supplying illicit drugs to minors. When minors fall victim to these substances, their deaths should be met with justice. Our children are being robbed of their futures, and their cases need to be chargeable, prosecutable, and punishable. The current legal framework doesn't suffice in protecting our youth and deterring those who exploit them.

Statistics reveal a stark reality: opioid overdose has become one of the leading causes of death among young people in the United States. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is particularly lethal and is responsible for the majority of these tragic deaths. These are not just numbers; they represent real children, real futures lost.

We must ensure that our legal system reflects the gravity of these offenses. Amending Parker’s Law could be a vital step in doing so. By expanding its scope to explicitly include minors, we send a clear message that society will not tolerate the endangerment of our youth. Offenders should face severe repercussions for distributing these deadly substances to children.

Legislators can make a tremendous difference by supporting this proposed amendment. I'm  calling on our elected officials to listen, take action, and protect our children. We owe it to every parent, every family, and every community affected by such preventable tragedies.

Sign this petition to urge lawmakers to amend Parker's Law and provide justice for minors who fall victim to illicit drugs, ensuring their tragic deaths do not go unpunished. TRISTAN'S MEMORY MATTERS