This bill establishes a new cause of action for first-degree murder in cases where an individual causes the death of another person by unlawfully delivering, dispensing, or providing fentanyl or a fentanyl-related substance. Specifically, it amends Section 707.2 of the Iowa Code to include a provision that holds individuals criminally liable if their actions result in the death of another person due to the injection, inhalation, absorption, or ingestion of the controlled substance. The bill classifies this offense as a class A felony, which carries a penalty of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that it is not a valid defense for the accused to argue that the deceased contributed to their own death through their own actions, such as the purposeful or reckless use of the substance. This provision aims to strengthen the legal framework surrounding the distribution of fentanyl and related substances, reflecting the serious public health concerns associated with their misuse.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 707.2