Lawmakers Weigh Harsher Penalties for Opioid Users
The number of fatal drug overdoses is rising across the U.S. Alabama lawmakers this week considered a bill that would impose stiffer penalties around the deadly opioid fentanyl. Meanwhile, critics say more punishment could strain the state’s overcrowded prisons.
The measure, which the Senate approved last week, came before a House committee this week. The bill would increase penalties for people who use and distribute fentanyl, a powerful opioid that is found in a lot of street drugs. And health officials believe fentanyl is behind the recent spike in overdose deaths across the U.S.
In the last two years, 25 states have passed legislation to increase various fentanyl-related penalties, according to the Drug Policy Alliance.
Sen. Cam Ward, the bill’s sponsor, told the Associated Press an influx of fentanyl in the state has been lethal. “It’s being mixed with heroin and it’s driving up your overdose deaths dramatically,” Ward said. “A very small amount, a grain of salt size, mixed in with heroin is deadly. It will kill you.”
Ward said state penalties for fentanyl possession are low. The bill would stiffen penalties to bring them in line with those for heroin.
A person caught with one-half of a gram to one gram of fentanyl would face a possession with intent to distribute charge, a Class B felony punishable from two to 20 years in prison. Those trafficking larger amounts of fentanyl would face mandatory minimum sentences.
Critics of the bill, including the ACLU of Alabama, say tougher penalties will tax the state’s overcrowded prisons.
We attended a public hearing today on SB39, which would put someone with 1/2 gram of a mix with fentanyl in prison for 2-25 yrs. This would put more strain on our prisons and not address the underlying problem of substance abuse. Incarceration doesn’t solve addiction. #alpolitics pic.twitter.com/ffnYVx3DKj
— ACLU of Alabama (@ACLUAlabama) February 7, 2018
But first, we start this week’s legislative wrap-up with Don Dailey, host of Alabama Public Television’s Capitol Journal, with a measure that would outlaw video voyeurism. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Clyde Chambliss, targets people who take photos of others surreptitiously.
Also, we get a glimpse of the state’s proposed education budget, and a preview of a bill that aims to make payday lending a bit easier on borrowers.
Space Command is coming to Huntsville. What might that mean for first-time homebuyers
While Huntsville has been a more affordable market than other growing cities, what’s it been like for those looking for their first home?
Colorado says relocation of Space Command to Alabama is ‘punishment’ for mail-in voting
The litigation announced by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser asks a federal judge to block the move as unconstitutional.
Breaking down Alabama’s CHOOSE Act
It’s been a year since Alabama legislators passed the CHOOSE Act allowing families to apply for state funds to use towards homeschool expenses and tuition for participating private schools. The Alabama Daily News’ education reporter Trisha Powell Crain has been diving into how the funds are being used. WBHM’s Andrew Gelderman sat down with her to talk about what we’re seeing so far.
Huntsville is growing fast. Here’s how it’s stayed affordable
Home prices are rising in Huntsville, but so far, the city’s avoided the skyrocketing costs in other boom towns.
What are your unique holiday traditions? NPR wants to know
The holiday season is full of traditions and we all celebrate them a bit differently. NPR wants to your most unique holiday traditions. What makes celebrating this time of year feel special for you?
What are your unique holiday traditions? NPR wants to know
The holiday season is full of traditions and we all celebrate them a bit differently. NPR wants to your most unique holiday traditions. What makes celebrating this time of year feel special for you?
 
            

 
		 
		 
		 
		 
		