An Act relative to crimes relating to distribution of controlled substances causing death

This bill amends Massachusetts law to classify the intentional distribution of controlled substances that results in death as second-degree murder. It directly affects individuals who knowingly or intentionally provide drugs, including counterfeit substances, leading to a fatality. A key provision removes the defense that a defendant did not know the recipient had a pre-existing health condition. By elevating these specific acts to murder charges, the legislation seeks to impose stricter penalties for drug-related deaths.