A bill passed last session to allow prosecutors to charge fentanyl distributors with felony manslaughter in connection to overdose deaths won't be brought up in an upcoming special session, according to the bill's sponsor.
Governor Kay Ivey signed the wrong version of the bill into law recently due to a technical glitch when the bill was transmitted to her office. The clerk of the Alabama House of Representatives, John Treadwell, told 1819 News that the mistake was due to a technical glitch. He said the system reverted to the original bill, which did not specify fentanyl-related deaths and the language of that version addressed all controlled substance deaths.
State Rep. Chris Pringle (R-Mobile), who sponsored the bill, told 1819 News on Thursday the bill would be brought back up again in 2024 and Ivey declined to include it in the upcoming special session on redistricting.
"Gov. said no," Pringle said.
The bill was originally scheduled to take effect on September 1.
Now, lawmakers will have to revisit the bill during the next session. That session will likely be a special session for redistricting, so there is a possibility the law could still go into effect on September 1.
Ivey released her declaration on Tuesday, calling for the special session to begin July 17. In her proclamation, Ivey exclusively mentioned the map redraw, meaning any other legislative proposals will require a two-thirds majority vote to pass.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
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