By Bailey Coyle, Fox23 News
KELLYVILLE, Okla. — Oklahoma lawmakers are considering House Bill 4421, known as “Leo’s Law,” a bill designed to protect children from the growing danger of fentanyl exposure.
The legislation was inspired by the tragic death of three-year-old Leo Towe, who died in June 2024 from accidental fentanyl poisoning while in the care of his mother.
Leo’s Law would make fentanyl testing mandatory in child welfare cases where drug use is suspected before children are reunified with caregivers, classify knowingly exposing a child to fentanyl as a felony which will increase accountability for caregivers who endanger children, and provide clearer authority for DHS and law enforcement to act quickly in cases where children may be exposed to dangerous drugs.
Jacob Towe, Leo’s father, said the law grew from a painful realization.
“If they’d actually tested for fentanyl, he wouldn’t have been reunited with his mother. It could have been prevented,” said Jacob.
He added that mandatory testing could have broader benefits.
“It could help…it could even save an adult’s life because if they have to test…for fentanyl, they might stop it if they know they’re going to get their kids signaling,” Jacob said.
Jacon has gathered public support through a petition and rallied community backing. HB 4421 has been officially filed and is awaiting committee assignment.
“This law doesn’t discriminate, it protects babies and kids of all ages,” Jacob said. “Children as young as seven months have died from fentanyl. It’s about keeping them safe.”
The bill comes amid a fentanyl crisis in Oklahoma. Data from the Oklahoma State Department of Health shows that fentanyl overdose deaths rose from 127 to 730 from 2020 to 2023.
Six of the deaths in 2023 were kids under 15. In 2024, records showed a 34% decline with 487 deaths.
Fentanyl was involved in 86% of all opioid-related overdose deaths in 2024, compared with about 10-20% annually before 2020.
Jacob hopes the law will not only prevent further tragedies but also raise awareness about how deadly fentanyl can be.
“Even tiny amounts can be deadly, and this law will help keep children safe and inform the public,” said Jacob.
Jacob urges Oklahomans to contact their legislators in support of HB 4421.
“I want other parents to never have to feel the way I do,” said Jacob. “Leo would have loved that, helping to save other children.”
The bill is now waiting to be assigned to a legislative committee. To read the full proposed bill, click here.
