We respectfully urge you to sponsor and advocate for “Leo’s Law,” in memory of Leonardo “Leo” Towe, a three-year-old boy who tragically died of fentanyl poisoning in June 2024. 

Proposed Provisions of Leo’s Law:

 1. Include Fentanyl testing on DHS Drug Panels.

Mandate testing for fentanyl in the  standard drug screening process for caretakers involved in DHS investigations if fentanyl is suspected. 

Section 1. Short Title.

This act shall be known as “Leo’s Law.”

Section 2. Legislative Findings and Purpose.

Leonardo “Leo” Towe lost his life to fentanyl poisoning at age 3. No Oklahoma child should ever be returned to a home where fentanyl exposure remains a threat. Current DHS testing panels do not always include fentanyl. Leo’s Law closes this gap.

Section 3. Mandatory Testing.

DHS shall require drug screenings of parents, guardians, or caregivers to include fentanyl testing in all child welfare investigations, removals, and ongoing cases where fentanyl use is suspected.

Section 4. Effective Date.

This act shall take effect ninety (90) days after passage and approval.

Section 5. Cost of Testing.

Parents, guardians, or caregivers subject to fentanyl testing under this act shall be responsible for the cost of such testing. DHS shall cover the cost when the individual is enrolled in a state or federal voucher program or receiving qualifying public assistance. Any person convicted in Oklahoma of child endangerment in which fentanyl is present shall pay a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00), in addition to other penalties, to offset costs and reduce the burden on taxpayers.

Ballot Title:

This measure, to be known as Leo’s Law, requires DHS to include fentanyl testing in child welfare drug screenings, requires parents to pay unless exempt, and imposes a $50 fine for child endangerment convictions involving fentanyl to offset the taxpayers cost.