SB39 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

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

Summary

SB 39 adds fentanyl and related analogues to Schedule I and greatly tightens penalties for possessing, distributing, and trafficking fentanyl and other listed drugs in Alabama.

What This Bill Does

The bill places fentanyl and certain synthetic fentanyl analogues on Schedule I. It also expands and tightens penalties for unlawful possession with intent to distribute and unlawful distribution of scheduled substances, including specific quantity thresholds for fentanyl. It creates an alternative method for charging trafficking of certain controlled substances or analogues and imposes escalating mandatory minimum sentences and fines for trafficking a wide range of drugs, including cannabis, cocaine, illegal drugs, morphine/opioids, methamphetamine, and numerous synthetic substances. The act takes effect immediately after the governor signs it and applies to offenses occurring on or after that date (not retroactive).

Who It Affects

• Individuals who possess or traffic fentanyl or fentanyl analogues would face higher penalties, with defined quantity thresholds that can lead to Class B felonies or longer sentences, including the potential for severe penalties at higher quantities.
• Drug traffickers and suppliers of Schedule I-V substances (including cannabis, cocaine, morphine/heroin, methamphetamine, amphetamine, PCP, MDMA and numerous synthetic drugs) would face expanded charges, mandatory minimums, and larger fines.

Key Provisions

• Adds fentanyl and certain synthetic fentanyl analogues to Schedule I under Section 20-2-23, and lists numerous related chemical compounds as controlled substances.
• Amends Section 13A-12-211 to increase penalties for unlawful distribution and unlawful possession with intent to distribute Schedule I-V drugs, including fentanyl analogues, with specific quantity thresholds (e.g., more than one-half gram but less than one gram for fentanyl analogues).
• Amends Section 13A-12-231 to establish trafficking penalties for fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, and other listed drugs with escalating mandatory minimum terms and fines based on quantity and drug type.
• Creates explicit trafficking provisions for a broad set of substances (cannabis, cocaine, illegal drugs, morphine/opioids, methamphetamine, amphetamine, PCP, various synthetic drugs) with penalties ranging from several years to life without parole depending on amount.
• Includes enforcement of trafficking in synthetic controlled substances and their analogues, listing numerous synthetic compounds and their analogues as controlled substances.
• Section 2 clarifies amendments apply to offenses occurring on or after the act’s effective date; Section 4 states the act becomes effective immediately upon governor’s approval; Section 3 excludes the bill from certain local-funds requirements.

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