House Bill 1 (HB1) by State Rep. Matt Simpson (R-Daphne), which adds trafficking fentanyl to the list of substances subject to mandatory minimum sentences in Alabama, has passed the Alabama Senate and will go to Gov. Kay Ivey, who plans to sign it speedily.
Those found guilty of trafficking two to four grams of fentanyl would be sentenced to a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $100,000 fine. Four to eight grams of fentanyl trafficked would receive a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years and a $500,000 fine.
Anyone found guilty of trafficking eight or more grams of fentanyl would serve a minimum sentence of life in prison and pay a minimum fine of $750,000.
A second conviction of the same offense would incur an additional penalty of five years of incarceration in a state corrections facility, which is not subject to suspension or probation. A third conviction would merit a sentence of 10 years imprisonment.
HB1 received bipartisan support in both houses, passing both unanimously.
In a Thursday statement, Ivey expressed her eager desire to sign the bill into law.
"The entire nation should take note of what we accomplished today in Alabama with the passage of House Bill 1, the bill to help combat the fentanyl crisis," Ivey said. "Every member of the Legislature – Republican and Democrat – came together to pass this critical piece of legislation."
She continued, "I commend Rep. Matt Simpson for his leadership on this issue, as well as all members of the Alabama Legislature for sending this bill to my desk. I look forward to putting my signature on House Bill 1 in the swiftest order."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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