Bill would heighten some fentanyl deaths to first degree murder

By Cameron Arcand, The Center Square

Published February 13, 2024 7:34am ET

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Bill would heighten some fentanyl deaths to first degree murder — FILE - This Feb. 19, 2013, file photo, shows OxyContin pills arranged for a photo at a pharmacy in Montpelier, Vt. With an overdose epidemic worsening, nearly one-third of Medicare beneficiaries received at least one prescription for commonly abused opioids such as OxyContin and fentanyl in 2015. | (Toby Talbot/AP)

(The Center Square) – An Arizona bill would up the criminal penalties for those convicted in a fentanyl-related death.

Senate Bill 1344, introduced by state Sen. Anthony Kern, would make certain fentanyl drug deaths classified as first-degree murder. This means someone could face life behind bars or the death penalty if they are found guilty, according to a state law.

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Tag:

Arizona Drug Policy Fentanyl State Politics