Bill · H.R. 780· House(119-HR-780)
Alexandra’s Law Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 1/28/2025
- Last activity
- 1/28/2025 — Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Darrell Issa
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Alexandra's Law Act of 2025 aims to authorize courts to make advisory statements regarding controlled substances. Under this bill, any person convicted of or entering a plea for an offense involving a controlled substance where a death occurred may be charged with homicide. The Act requires courts to advise individuals involved in transactions of N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propanamide or its analogues regarding the dangers of these substances. This advice warns that such drugs can be deadly even in small doses and that future deaths could lead to charges under title 18 of the United States Code. Furthermore, previous convictions or pleas related to these substances may be used as evidence of knowledge in future legal proceedings.
Yes
Does this do more about addiction and overdose deaths?+5
The bill addresses the lethal nature of fentanyl and its analogues through court advisories and increased criminal liability for transactions involving these substances.
Does this leave more decisions to the states?+3
The bill establishes a mechanism for the admissibility of state court sworn statements in federal court proceedings.
The opposite
Does this shorten or soften prison sentences?-4
The bill allows for individuals involved in drug-related deaths to be charged with homicide, potentially increasing sentencing severity.
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?-2
The bill's exception for minors means the new evidentiary rules specifically target non-minor offenders, which often includes young adults.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?-2
The bill allows previous convictions or pleas to be used as evidence of knowledge in homicide proceedings, which may impact the defense of a defendant.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Accountability for Drug Sales: Any person convicted of or entering a plea of guilty or no contest to an offense under the controlled substances section where a death occurred may be charged with homicide (Section 2, paragraph 1).
-
Public Warning and Education: The court provides a specific advisory to individuals regarding the dangers of illicit drugs and counterfeit pills, specifically noting that fentanyl and its analogues can be deadly even in small doses (Section 2, paragraph 2).
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Evidence of Knowledge: A previous conviction or plea related to the exchange of N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propanamide or an analogue can be used as evidence to show a defendant knew or should have known the substance contained those substances (Section 2, paragraph 3A).
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Legal Reciprocity of Statements: Sworn statements used in State courts that are similar to the required advisory can be admitted in Federal court, and federal court acknowledgments may be admissible in State courts (Section 2, paragraph 3B and 3C).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Increased Criminal Liability: Individuals involved in the exchange of substances like N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propanamide may face being charged with offenses under section 1111 or 1112 of title 18, United States Code, if a death occurs and they knew or should have known about the presence of fentanyl or its analogues (Section 2, paragraph 2).
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Use of Prior Records Against Defendants: A previous conviction or plea can be used against a defendant as evidence to establish they had knowledge that a substance provided to a decedent contained certain controlled substances (Section 2, paragraph 3A).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Healthcare
- Improves Opioid Crisis Response+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Criminal Sentencing Reform-4
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Young Adults-2
- Governance And Ideology
- Increase States Rights+3Improves Due Process-2
- 1/28/2025
- Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Kevin KileyIndependent · California
Jay ObernolteRepublican · California