Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs is inching closer towards potentially making some fentanyl-related deaths a felony murder charge in Arizona, although she will have the final say on the legislation.
The legislation received a favorable vote of 18-10-2 in the Senate, with Democratic Senators Christine Marsh and Catherine Miranda also supporting the bill on Thursday.
Earlier in February, The Center Square reported that Senator Anthony Kern, a Republican from Glendale, sponsored Senate Bill 1344. This bill aims to hold individuals accountable for first-degree murder if they are directly involved in providing a lethal dose of fentanyl to someone.
Causing the death of any person during the course of and in furtherance of an offense or immediate flight from an offense involving the possession for sale, manufacture, or transportation of fentanyl is classified as first-degree murder, as stated in the fact sheet. In some cases, this charge could result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
In a statement to The Center Square, Kern expressed deep concern over the rising number of deaths among our youth due to fentanyl trafficking by cartels across our border. He emphasized the urgent need for stronger penalties to deter criminals involved in the distribution of this hazardous and potentially fatal substance within our communities. Kern reiterated these sentiments during his floor speech, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Some Democrats express skepticism towards its effectiveness, drawing parallels with the controversial “War on Drugs.”
Senate Minority Leader Mitzi Epstein voted against the measure, stating, “It does not decrease the supply or demand of drugs.”
Marsh admitted that she cast her vote in favor, albeit with some hesitation.
Marsh explained her vote on Thursday, expressing her belief that criminalizing our way out of the crisis is not a viable solution. She further stated that she is open to considering alternative approaches to address the issue.
According to certain Republicans, adopting austerity measures might serve as a viable solution to alleviate the ongoing crisis.
According to Sen. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, the notion that drug enforcement is ineffective is simply untrue.
This week, the legislature witnessed numerous votes, including the one mentioned. Several Senate and House bills were being passed from their respective chambers to be transferred to the other. If a bill successfully makes it through both chambers, it will reach Hobbs’ desk, where she will have the final say on whether it becomes law or not.
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