Bill Overview
Title: Felony Murder for Deadly Fentanyl Distribution Act
Description: This bill makes the distribution of fentanyl resulting in death a first degree murder. An individual who is guilty of first degree murder by distributing fentanyl is subject to death or life in prison.
Sponsors: Rep. Gonzales, Tony [R-TX-23]
Target Audience
Population: people involved in the fentanyl distribution chain and victims
Estimated Size: 2000000
- Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent.
- There is a significant number of drug distribution networks that include fentanyl, which lead to cases of overdose deaths.
- The act of distributing lethal drugs like fentanyl may involve a wide network of people, impacting not only those directly dealing but also their families and communities.
- Individuals affected include drug distributors, users, families of deceased users, and communities.
- The legal reclassification to first degree murder enhances the severity of legal consequences, implying substantial impacts on incarceration rates and the legal system.
Reasoning
- Considerations for selecting a diverse set of interviewees include ensuring a range of individuals likely to be directly or indirectly affected by the policy, such as drug distributors, family members of OD victims, and legal and healthcare professionals.
- Given the limited budgetary allowance, persons directly within the fentanyl distribution network might experience the highest impact, considering the hefty legal costs and potential incarceration expenses.
- The policy's focus on eliminating fentanyl-related deaths may lead to life course changes for certain individuals, whose well-being will be represented in the interviews.
Simulated Interviews
Illegal Drug Distributor (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this new law is too harsh. I'm not the only one responsible for what happens after a sale.
- This could ruin lives of people like me who may be struggling to make ends meet, leading us to sell drugs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 2 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 3 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 6 |
Former user (Baltimore, MD)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might deter a lot of people from selling dangerous drugs, which could save lives.
- I've seen too many friends die from overdoses. This policy could make a difference.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Mother of OD victim (New York, NY)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While this policy won't bring my son back, it makes sure the ones responsible are held accountable.
- It might prevent others from suffering the same pain I've experienced.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Public Defender (Houston, TX)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could lead to more severe legal battles and overcrowding in prisons.
- I worry about the long-term legal ramifications and costs associated with implementing this policy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 7 |
Police Officer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy gives us a stronger legal framework to target major fentanyl distributors.
- Ultimately, it represents a serious step in fighting the opioid crisis.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Activist (Austin, TX)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policies like this lead to more incarceration, not solutions.
- We need to focus on treatment and rehabilitation, not hefty punishments.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
Health Care Worker (Detroit, MI)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Stopping fentanyl distribution is critical, but fear of harsh punishments might push it further underground.
- We need comprehensive policies, not just strict laws.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Law Student (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This law may have unintended consequences, especially on disadvantaged communities.
- We need a balanced approach focusing on both law enforcement and prevention.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 8 |
College Student (Philadelphia, PA)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's critical to address the root causes of addiction, not just punishments.
- I'm worried this policy is reactive rather than proactive about prevention.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Social Worker (Seattle, WA)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policies should ensure they do not unfairly target marginalized communities.
- I believe in rehabilitating individuals rather than punishing them severely.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $300000000 (Low: $250000000, High: $350000000)
Year 2: $315000000 (Low: $262500000, High: $367500000)
Year 3: $330750000 (Low: $275625000, High: $385875000)
Year 5: $363825000 (Low: $303187500, High: $424462500)
Year 10: $441232500 (Low: $367601250, High: $514863750)
Year 100: $1260830771 (Low: $1047583802, High: $1474077740)
Key Considerations
- The reclassification of fentanyl distribution resulting in death as first-degree murder may lead to significant legal and ethical debates.
- Potential strain on the judicial and correctional systems due to the higher volume and complexity of cases.
- Provisions for handling misclassification or mishandling of evidence leading to wrongful charges.