HB84 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

April WeaverSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Schedule I controlled substances, Fentanyl and Fentanyl analogues included, criminal penalties for trafficking, Secs. 13A-12-211, 13A-12-231, 20-2-23 am'd.

Summary

HB 84 adds certain fentanyl compounds and fentanyl analogues to Schedule I and creates tougher penalties for possession, distribution, and trafficking, including a 50+ package trafficking option, with immediate effect.

What This Bill Does

It places named fentanyl compounds and synthetic fentanyl analogues in Schedule I, making possession, distribution, and trafficking illegal with existing penalties and enhanced penalties for distribution. It creates an alternative trafficking charge for fentanyl or its analogues when a person has 50 or more individual packages, regardless of weight. It also broadens the list of synthetic controlled substances in Schedule I and includes a firearm-enhancement provision for trafficking crimes, with the act taking effect immediately and structured to be exempt from certain local-funding requirements.

Who It Affects

• Individuals who possess, distribute, or traffic fentanyl or synthetic fentanyl analogues added to Schedule I would face criminal penalties, including enhanced penalties and a new 50+ package trafficking charging option.
• Law enforcement, prosecutors, and the judiciary would implement and apply the new scheduling, charging, and firearm-enhancement provisions in trafficking cases.

Key Provisions

• Adds named chemical compounds of fentanyl and synthetic fentanyl analogues to Schedule I (Section 20-2-23) and amends Sections 13A-12-211 and 13A-12-231 to provide enhanced penalties for unlawful possession, unlawful distribution, and unlawful trafficking of these substances.
• Provides an alternative method for charging trafficking if a person possesses 50 or more individual packages of fentanyl or its analogues, with sentencing based on the specific substance contained in those packages.
• Imposes a firearm-enhancement: if a firearm is possessed during the commission of any act proscribed by this section, the offender faces an additional five-year term (not suspendable) and a $25,000 fine.
• Relates to 20-2-23 by listing a broad set of synthetic controlled substances and analogues as Schedule I, including definitions of synthetic controlled substances and analogues and procedures for scheduling and notification between state agencies.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Drugs