(The Center Square) – An Arizona bill would up the criminal penalties for those convicted in a fentanyl-related death.
Senate Bill 1344 , introduced by state Sen. Anthony Kern, would make certain fentanyl drug deaths classified as first-degree murder. This means someone could face life behind bars or the death penalty if they are found guilty, according to a state law .
Although the bill itself does not directly mention cross-border drug trafficking, legislation targeting fentanyl has been the result of increased calls from the public for action on the issue.
Kern, R-Glendale, said in a statement that he hopes the border crisis continues to have drastic consequences involving drugs.
“Too many of our children are dying at the hands of cartels smuggling fentanyl across our border. The issue is continuously getting worse, and we must establish harsher penalties for criminals who bring this dangerous and deadly drug into our communities,” the Republican told The Center Square in an emailed statement.