This bill proposes significant updates to current statutes regarding the sale of dangerous and narcotic drugs, particularly in cases involving minors. Under the new provisions, if a person is convicted of selling a dangerous or narcotic drug to a minor that contributes to the minor's death, they will face enhanced sentencing requirements. Specifically, the bill mandates that if an initial autopsy indicates that the minor's death was due to drug intoxication or overdose, a second autopsy must be conducted. If this second autopsy confirms that the drug sold contributed to the death, the convicted individual will be sentenced to the aggravated term of imprisonment. Additionally, if the drug involved is methamphetamine or fentanyl, the defendant will be subject to maximum sentencing under existing laws.

The bill also expands the definition of dangerous crimes against children to include selling dangerous or narcotic drugs to minors, thereby increasing the penalties for such offenses. It requires the county medical examiner to determine if a drug contributed to a minor's death and to order a second autopsy if necessary. Furthermore, it specifies that if the minor was under 15 years old, the convicted individual must receive the maximum sentence for a dangerous crime against children. The legislation is designated as "Noah's Law" and includes technical and conforming changes to existing statutes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 13-3408
Senate Engrossed Version: 13-3408