An Act relative to drug distribution causing death

This bill amends Massachusetts law to impose strict liability on anyone who manufactures, distributes, or dispenses specific controlled substances like heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, LSD, or PCP if those actions result in a death. Under the new provisions, individuals found guilty face mandatory life imprisonment or a minimum five-year sentence without eligibility for probation, parole, or sentence reductions for good conduct. The legislation establishes that the act of distributing the drug is the direct cause of death if the victim would not have died without using the substance, regardless of whether the user contributed to their own death. This change removes the need for prosecutors to prove intent or negligence, making it easier to hold distributors accountable for fatalities caused by their actions.