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: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL]
Target Audience
Population: Fentanyl distributors and their immediate community
Estimated Size: 45000
- The bill targets individuals involved in the distribution of fentanyl, particularly when it results in death.
- Fentanyl distributors, who are a subset of drug traffickers, will be directly impacted by this legislation as they face harsher penalties.
- Families and communities where drug trafficking and overdose deaths are prevalent may also be indirectly impacted by potentially reduced drug availability or harsher sentencing.
- Legal and judicial systems will handle felony murder trials differently, affecting public defenders, prosecutors, and the court systems at large.
Reasoning
- The policy directly targets individuals involved in the distribution of fentanyl that results in death. These individuals are often involved in illegal drug activities and are a small subset of the overall population.
- Collateral impacts may be felt in communities with high incidences of fentanyl distribution, affecting families, law enforcement, and the legal system.
- The policy is designed to deter the distribution of fentanyl resulting in fewer community deaths related to overdoses, meaning individuals in affected areas might experience an increased sense of safety and wellbeing.
- Legal costs and the burden on the judicial system must be considered, which might increase with longer trials and potential appeals, affecting overall justice system efficiency and costs.
Simulated Interviews
Unemployed (Philadelphia, PA)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The new law is terrifying because the stakes are so high now with distributing fentanyl.
- I think this might actually make some people more cautious about dealing.
- It's hard to know if people will really stop because of this.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 2 |
Community Organizer (Dayton, OH)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this policy saves lives and deters those distributing this deadly drug.
- However, more effort should go into prevention and rehabilitation too.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Local police officer (Rural Kentucky)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This law might help curb overdose deaths, giving us more tools to fight drug trafficking.
- It is crucial that we implement it carefully to avoid unfair persecutions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
College Student (New York, NY)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While this policy aims to target major distributors, it might disproportionately affect lower-level dealers.
- Reform should also focus on education and rehabilitation opportunities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Public Defender (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned about the potential for increased caseloads and the fairness of trials under this policy.
- The policy could deter crime, but it may also lead to further overcrowding in prisons.
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 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 5 |
High School Counselor (Chicago, IL)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this policy might make parents feel more at ease about their children's safety.
- However, education and prevention should still be priority.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Judge (Houston, TX)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could act as a significant deterrent, but will rely heavily on careful implementation.
- Ensuring fair trials will require increased resources.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Healthcare Worker (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 43 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While reducing fentanyl distribution is vital, focusing on treatment and prevention will be more effective.
- Stricter penalties might not deter all criminals.
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 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Reformed Gang Member (Baltimore, MD)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Most people involved in fentanyl trade are not aware of the severe penalties until it's too late.
- Education can play a much bigger role than stringent laws.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Retired (New Orleans, LA)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If this law reduces the drugs on the streets, it would be worth it.
- I'm concerned that it may not address root causes and poverty.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $150000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $200000000)
Year 2: $160000000 (Low: $110000000, High: $210000000)
Year 3: $170000000 (Low: $120000000, High: $220000000)
Year 5: $185000000 (Low: $135000000, High: $235000000)
Year 10: $205000000 (Low: $155000000, High: $255000000)
Year 100: $305000000 (Low: $255000000, High: $355000000)
Key Considerations
- The potential deterrent effect of harsher penalties on fentanyl distribution is uncertain and could influence long-term cost savings.
- Initial implementation may strain legal, correctional, and law enforcement resources, necessitating increased budget allocations.
- The bill's effectiveness in reducing fentanyl-related deaths has both societal and economic implications.
- Potential for criminal justice reform debates related to mandatory sentencing laws.