FL H0369

Amends Florida murder statute (s. 782.04) to classify unlawful killing resulting from unlawful distribution of methadone by a person 18 years or older as first-degree murder when the drug is the proximate cause of death.

Makes the new methadone-related murder offense a capital felony punishable under s. 775.082, subjecting offenders to potential death penalty or life imprisonment without parole.

Reenacts cross-referencing statutes (ss. 775.0823, 782.065, 921.0022, and 947.146) to incorporate the new murder classification in laws relating to violent offenses against law enforcement, criminal punishment codes, and parole ineligibility.

Maintains existing first-degree murder provisions for deaths resulting from unlawful distribution of controlled substances listed under s. 893.03(1), cocaine, and opium/derivatives.

Effective date: October 1, 2010.