State Rep. Matt Simpson (R-Fairhope) introduced HB1 which would increase penalties for possessing, selling, or manufacturing 4 grams or more, but less than 14 grams, of fentanyl or any synthetic fentanyl analogue to at least three years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000.
More than 14 grams, but less than 28 grams, of the extremely addictive and lethal narcotic carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a fine of $100,000.
The minimum sentence for possession of between 28 and 56 grams of the narcotic is 25 years in prison and a fine of $500,000.
Anyone caught with 56 grams or more of fentanyl faces a mandatory life sentence.
Ivey stated in a press release that "the entire nation should take note of what we accomplished today in Alabama with the passage of House Bill 1," the bill to help address the fentanyl pandemic. All Senators and Representatives, both Democrats and Republicans, voted unanimously in favor of this bill.
I will do everything in my power to stop this substance from being a killer in Alabama, and I can assure you that the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency will continue to make this a top priority.
