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Committee advances bill to expand civil penalties for unlawful distribution of abortion‑inducing drugs
Summary
Lawmakers advanced HB 2,380 to calendar and rules after sponsors added enforcement mechanisms and civil penalties — $10,000 per knowing violation and up to $1,000,000 when serious bodily injury or death results. Committee members pressed sponsors and legal staff about courier and web‑host liability.
The House Judiciary Committee voted to advance HB 2,380 as amended after lawmakers added a clearer enforcement mechanism and civil penalties for unlawful provision of abortion‑inducing drugs.
The sponsor told the panel the bill "simply provides the attorney general with a clear mechanism to enforce those existing protections," and said the package creates "a $10,000 civil penalty per violation. And when a violation results in serious bodily injury or death, it allows for a $1,000,000 penalty." Committee discussion focused on who could be liable under the measure, with Representative Johnson asking whether a courier, web host or provider could be held accountable.
Legal services attorney Michelle Fogarty told the committee the answer depends on the facts and whether the state could prove knowledge, saying, "The language in the amendment states that the attorney general may bring a civil action to impose a civil penalty for a knowing violation of 63 6 11 oh 3 b." She added that proving liability would turn on whether the actor knew they were providing the drug via courier or mail service.
The committee sent HB 2,380 forward to calendar and rules on a recorded vote of 16 ayes and 4 noes. Supporters said the bill clarifies enforcement of existing law; critics questioned whether the measure could sweep in intermediaries and called for additional legal precision.
Next steps: HB 2,380 will be placed on the calendar and may be considered by the full House, where its liability standard and penalties could draw further amendment or debate.
