SB32 Summary

• Creates the J.K. Elrod Act, establishing the crime of "controlled substance murder" for knowingly providing a controlled substance to another person with intent to cause death that results in death of that person or another person.

• Classifies controlled substance murder as a Class B felony with mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years imprisonment if the defendant has a prior conviction for a felony drug offense.

• Exempts licensed physicians, dentists, healthcare practitioners, pharmacies, hospitals, and other licensed institutions from liability when distributing controlled substances in the course of professional practice or research.

• Became effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.

• Senate passed the amended bill 30-0 on May 23, 2019.