MADISON – A new law combatting the fentanyl epidemic and holding deadly drug dealers accountable authored by Senator Van Wanggaard (R-Racine) was signed into law today. The new law increases the penalty for manufacturing, distributing, or delivering a controlled substance that causes the death of someone.
“It is way past time that we start holding deadly drug dealers accountable,” said Wanggaard. “This bill closes a loophole allowing these dangerous criminals to avoid prison time, and any real consequences.”
This law increases the penalty from a Class C felony to a Class B felony. Under current law, a Class C felony conviction gives a judge discretion to impose only a fine. The punishment for a Class B felony conviction must include jail time.
“Getting these deadly drug dealers off the street, and putting them behind bars, will make our streets safer and will save lives,” Wanggaard continued. “But, there is no quick-fix to ending this epidemic. As long as it continues to rage in our state I will continue to work and find new ways to fight it.”
This is the third law in the last 2 years authored by Senator Wanggaard to address the fentanyl epidemic. In March of 2022, Acts 179 and 180, increased the penalties for illegally manufacturing, delivering, and distributing fentanyl, and decriminalized fentanyl testing strips, respectively, became law.
