One Georgia Senator is praising the passage of his bill, which he says will ‘strengthen laws regarding drug-related deaths.”
On Tuesday, Senate Bill 465 passed in a vote on the Senate floor with nearly unanimous bipartisan backing.
Commonly referred to as “Austin’s Law,” the bill tackles revisions to legislation concerning controlled substances and fentanyl-related fatalities. Sponsored by Sen. Russ Goodman (R–Cogdell), the bill secured passage with a 49-3 vote. The bill has 28 co-sponsors signed on to it as well.
Named after a Georgian who unwittingly ingested a fentanyl-laced pill and subsequently lost his life, “Austin’s Law” establishes a new category of offense: felony aggravated involuntary manslaughter, under which drug dealers and distributors can be prosecuted.
The bill requires that the person providing the drugs ‘intentionally manufacture, deliver, distribute or sell’ a substance that is a controlled substance, counterfeit substance, or imitation controlled substance, but makes no mention of how to prove intent. The bill specifically goes on to say that the defendant’s knowledge of the chemical identity should not be an essential element of the offense. It says the state has no burden to prove the alleged drug dealer knew the chemical identity, either.
The punishment for these new offenses would be a felony with a prison sentence of 10-30 years, which could not be merged with any other offense.
The three no-votes include Senators Jackson, McLaurin, and Orrock.
“Keeping Georgians safe is my top priority,” said Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones. “While gridlock and backroom politics in Washington have limited movement of legislation in regard to fentanyl trafficking, here in Georgia, we are dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of our citizens. ‘Austin’s Law’ will hold fentanyl dealers and manufacturers accountable and will help prevent the senseless deaths of Georgians.”
“This bill bears the name of one of my constituents, a talented young man. Unfortunately, like many we know, Austin battled anxiety and depression, self-medicating with Xanax purchased off the streets,” remarked Sen. Goodman. “Tragically, one of those pills was tainted with fentanyl, costing him his life. This legislation is a shield for individuals like Austin, shielding them from those who poison our communities and claim the lives of our loved ones. There’s nothing more paramount than safeguarding our families, friends, and neighbors, and that’s precisely what ‘Austin’s Law’ seeks to achieve. I deeply appreciate Lt. Governor Burt Jones for making this issue a priority.”
This legislation will now go to the Georgia House of Representatives for further consideration.
More information on SB 465 can be found here.
