Bill · S. 1502· Senate(119-S-1502)
Felony Murder for Deadly Fentanyl Distribution Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 4/29/2025
- Last activity
- 4/29/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Joni Ernst
- Cosponsors
- - 10 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is called the Felony Murder for Deadly Fentanyl Distribution Act of 2025. It proposes to change title 18 of the United States Code to treat the distribution of fentanyl that results in death as felony murder. Under this bill, anyone guilty of first-degree murder by distributing fentanyl would face a penalty of death or life imprisonment.
Yes
Does this do more about addiction and overdose deaths?+5
The bill attempts to deter fentanyl distribution by introducing severe criminal penalties for deaths resulting from its use.
Does this give the federal government more power?+2
The bill expands federal criminal law by amending title 18 to include new felony murder specifications.
The opposite
Does this shorten or soften prison sentences?-6
The bill increases the severity of sentencing by introducing death or life imprisonment for fentanyl distribution resulting in death.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?-2
The introduction of the death penalty and life imprisonment for drug distribution increases the stakes for legal defense and due process.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Increased Punishment for Fentanyl Distribution: Section 2(b)(2) states that those guilty of first-degree murder by distributing fentanyl shall be punished by death or imprisonment for life, which increases the legal consequences for this action.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Severe Penalties: Section 2(b)(2) mandates the most severe punishments available, specifically death or imprisonment for life, for those convicted under these new provisions.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Criminal Sentencing Reform-6
- Healthcare
- Improves Opioid Crisis Response+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+2Improves Due Process-2
- 4/30/2025
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- 4/29/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 7 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Ted BuddRepublican · North Carolina
Katie BrittRepublican · Alabama
Ted CruzRepublican · Texas
Steve DainesRepublican · Montana
Bill HagertyRepublican · Tennessee
Cindy Hyde-SmithRepublican · Mississippi
James JusticeRepublican · West Virginia
James LankfordRepublican · Oklahoma
Pete RickettsRepublican · Nebraska
Rick ScottRepublican · Florida