Idaho lawmakers have passed a fentanyl trafficking bill that calls for mandatory minimum prison sentences for those apprehended with the painkiller.
The bill would create minimum prison sentences and fines for possessing certain amounts of fentanyl or substances with detectable traces of fentanyl, starting at three years and a $10,000 fine for 4g or 100 pills with greater penalties for higher quantities. There is no requirement to show intent to distribute in the law.
The measure also adds a crime to Idaho’s laws called drug-induced homicide, which could be charged if someone gives another person a drug and that person dies from it. The penalty would be up to life in prison and a maximum fine of $25,000.
In a press release, the Nez Perce County Prosecutor’s Office applauded the legislation, writing that the new penalties will give law enforcement a greater tool to combat the deadly drug that has been flooding across the border into the region at an alarming rate. Authorities have seen a major uptick in drug cases as well as overdoses.
The bill now goes to Gov. Brad Little, who may choose to sign it into law or veto it. He may also decline to sign or veto, in which case it would still go into effect without a signature on July 1.
