SB280 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Crimes and offenses, J.K. Elrod Act, controlled substance murder, crime established, criminal penalties provided

Summary

SB280 creates a new crime called controlled substance murder when a person provides a laced drug that results in another person's death, with exemptions for licensed health professionals and harsher penalties for people with prior felony drug convictions.

What This Bill Does

It establishes controlled substance murder as a Class B felony when someone knowingly provides a controlled substance laced with another substance and that use causes death. Licensed health care practitioners acting within their profession are exempt from this charge. If the offender has a prior felony drug conviction, the sentence for this crime must be at least 20 years. The bill also lists substances that may be used to lace drugs and defines 'laced with' terms. It states the act would become effective after the standard constitutional timing and notes a general exemption from local-funding requirements due to creating a new crime.

Who It Affects

• Drug distributors/sellers who lace substances and could be charged with controlled substance murder, facing a Class B felony and, if they have prior felony drug convictions, a minimum 20-year term.
• Licensed health care practitioners (doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, hospitals, pharmacies, etc.) who are engaged in professional practice and are exempt from the new crime; this also affects patients and the enforcement landscape in medical settings.

Key Provisions

• Creates the crime of controlled substance murder with elements: knowingly provide a controlled substance that is laced with another substance, and that the use is the proximate cause of death.
• Defines 'laced with another substance' and lists examples (e.g., fentanyl, various adulterants) to guide what counts as lacing.
• Provides a broad exemption for licensed health care practitioners and facilities acting in their professional duties (physicians, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, hospitals, etc.).
• Imposes a Class B felony for violation; if the offender has a prior felony drug conviction, sentences are not less than 20 years.
• Notes local-funding/constitutional considerations, stating the bill is excluded from certain local expenditure requirements, and states the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses