Bill That Would Strengthen Heroin Laws Returns To Committee
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- A bill that would hold heroin dealers responsible in the case of a fatal overdose is returning to the committee level.
On Monday, lead bill sponsor Del. Kathleen Dumais asked that the measure be referred back to committee so that it can be considered next year. Dumais is a Democrat representing Montgomery County.
Dumais told her fellow delegates the referral was made in light of statewide efforts already in place to fight drug trafficking and use. Currently Maryland has no specific law that charges a drug dealer as a contributor to someone's death in the event of a heroin or fentanyl overdose.
Last month, Gov. Larry Hogan declared widespread use of the drug an emergency and laid out a plan to help address the rising rate of fatal overdoses.
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