The proposed bill SB1344 amends Arizona Revised Statutes section 13-1105 to classify the act of causing the death of any person during the course of or immediate flight from a narcotics offense involving fentanyl as first-degree murder. This classification applies specifically when the offense is committed as part of a person's association with and participation in managing, directing, supervising, or financing an illegal drug enterprise, with the intent to promote or further its criminal objectives.

In contrast to current law, which addresses various narcotics offenses, the new bill specifically emphasizes fentanyl-related offenses and requires that the individual was actively involved in the management or financing of the drug enterprise for the first-degree murder charge to apply. This change aims to hold individuals accountable for deaths resulting from their involvement in organized drug trafficking, particularly concerning fentanyl, which has become a significant public health concern.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 13-1105
Senate Engrossed Version: 13-1105