relative to establishing a mandatory minimum sentence for the crime of distribution of a controlled drug with death resulting.

This bill establishes a mandatory minimum prison sentence of ten years to life for anyone convicted of distributing specific controlled drugs, such as methamphetamine or PCP, when the recipient dies as a result. Under the new law, prosecutors must prove that the drug distribution directly caused the death, but the accused cannot use the victim's own reckless behavior or consent as a defense. The legislation applies strictly to the sale, manufacture, or dispensing of these substances and does not prevent separate charges for homicide or drug enterprise leadership. If passed, the changes would take effect on January 1, 2025, and could increase costs for the state and local governments related to the judicial and correctional systems.