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Senators debate separate fentanyl‑ and drug‑induced homicide bills, lawmakers split over scope and sentencing
Summary
Two bills proposing homicide charges tied to fentanyl or drug distribution drew extended debate over whether language should require an exchange of value (targeting dealers) or cover anyone who knowingly provides drugs that cause a death; sponsors differed on wording and whether both measures are necessary.
The committee discussed two related proposals that would create new homicide offenses tied to drug distribution and overdose deaths: a fentanyl‑specific bill and a broader drug‑induced homicide bill.
Under the fentanyl bill, testimony described an offense for knowingly delivering, dispensing or providing fentanyl (or fentanyl‑related substances) if injection, inhalation, absorption or ingestion is the proximate cause of another person’s death; the penalty would be up to 30 years in prison and the offense would be exempt from parole under the bill’s drafting. A companion or related measure, S.B. 183, would create a drug‑induced homicide…
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