Today, State Representative Scott Allen (R – Waukesha) and State Senator Van Wanggaard (R-Racine) released LRB-0469, a proposed bill that increases the penalty for causing the death of another human being by the manufacture, distribution or delivery of a controlled substance.
“There is a fentanyl crisis happening in Wisconsin right now,” stated Rep. Allen. “Those who willingly distribute a deadly drug need to be held accountable.”
Under current Wisconsin law, every crime categorized as first-degree reckless homicide carries with it the penalty of a Class B felony, except for causing death by a controlled substance. This bill would amend state law to ensure that the penalty for causing death by the manufacture, distribution or delivery of a controlled substance gets the same penalty as all other first-degree reckless homicides. Instead of a fine of up to $100,000 or imprisonment for up to 40 years, this bill will ensure that those who kill by dealing drugs will face imprisonment for up to 60 years.
“Fentanyl poisoning is murder,” said Rep. Allen. “It is high time that we treat it as such. I’m grateful for Senator Wanggaard’s support in tackling this important issue.”
