AUSTIN, Texas -- As state lawmakers look for ways to curb Texas' opioid epidemic, Tuesday they heard from law enforcement and health officials about how fighting the crisis is affecting their jobs.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention called 2016 the deadliest year on record for opioid overdoses. Texas saw a 7.4 percent increase that year.

Rep. Four Price chairs the committee tasked with coming up with recommendations for lawmakers to tackle next session.

He said one area of concern is how lethal a very small quantity of fentanyl can be to law enforcement dealing with cases.

"They really had to change the way they undertake some of the procedures with searches, with storage of evidence, just the time involved and what they need to do to protect themselves," Price said.

Price said another area lawmakers are looking at is a drug overdose ‘good Samaritan’ law.

That would protect individuals from criminal charges if they call for medical help during an overdose.

Click the video link above to watch our full interview with Rep. Price.