HANNON PASSES BILL HOLDING DRUG DEALERS ACCOUNTABLE FOR OVERDOSE DEATHS

Yesterday, the New York State Senate took another step towards combatting the ever-growing heroin and opioid epidemic by passing “Laree’s Law.”  The bill (S2761), would allow law enforcement officials to charge a drug dealer with homicide if the sale of heroin or an opioid-controlled substance results in death.

“My Senate colleagues and I continue to build on our record of tackling the heroin and opioid epidemic head-on, but there is still more work to be done,” stated Senator Kemp Hannon, Senate Health Committee Chairman. “We need to continue efforts to curtail the alarming rise in the use of heroin and other opioids, and the devastating overdoses that result from this abuse.  Diminishing the availability of these dangerous drugs on our streets is crucial and holding drug dealers accountable for their actions is a major step in the right direction.  I commend Senator Amedore, Co-Chair of the Senate’s Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction, and his leadership on this important legislation.”

Laree’s Law sends a strong message to mid-and high-level dealers that they can no longer thrive on others’ maladies.  The state’s “Good Samaritan Law” will continue to provide safeguards to those who attempt to help individuals suffering from a drug overdose.

This legislation in only part of the ongoing commitment to combat this public health crisis.  The expansion of prevention, treatment, recovery and education will continue to be a priority of the New York State Senate.

The bill has been sent to the Assembly.

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