Hogan Introduces Bills To Fight Heroin Epidemic

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Gov. Larry Hogan wants to increase drug-trafficking penalties and strengthen Maryland's prescription drug monitoring program to help fight the state's heroin epidemic.

The two measures were introduced by the Republican governor on Tuesday.

Hogan wants to change Maryland's Gang Statute to better model it after the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act. The governor says the changes would help in the prosecution of drug traffickers who are part of an ongoing criminal enterprise.

The state's prescription drug monitoring program was formed to help health professionals and law enforcement identify and investigate drug abuse. But the governor's administration says widespread adoption of the program hasn't taken place yet. The governor's bill would phase in mandatory registration and use.

(Copyright 2016 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)