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Rep. Chip Roy Introduces Bill to Allow Death Penalty in Fatal Fentanyl Dealing Cases

The proposal seeks to expand prosecutors’ options by lifting current law’s life‑sentence cap in fatal fentanyl cases.

Overview

  • Roy introduced the Deal Death, Face Death Act on Tuesday in the House to let prosecutors seek the death penalty when someone dies after using fentanyl they were sold.
  • The draft would amend the Controlled Substances Act to permit capital punishment in cases tied to fentanyl or fentanyl‑laced drugs that result in death.
  • The measure also doubles fines for fentanyl offenses, raising the maximum to $2 million for individuals and $10 million for companies or other entities.
  • Roy says the bill targets dealers who knowingly sell fentanyl or lace heroin, cocaine, or meth with it and argues it closes a dangerous loophole.
  • Federal data show about 48,400 fentanyl deaths in 2024, a 36% drop from 2023, with Texas also reporting declines as the CDC warns last year’s counts may be underreported.