MS SB2122

Increases penalties for transfer or possession with intent to transfer heroin and fentanyl, with sentences ranging from up to 12 years (less than 2 grams) to 15-40 years (10+ grams) and fines up to $1,000,000.

Creates new offense of manslaughter for deaths caused by overdose of unlawfully distributed Schedule I or II controlled substances when the substance is proven to be the proximate cause of death.

Separates heroin and fentanyl from other Schedule I and II drugs in sentencing structure, imposing substantially higher penalties than comparable amounts of other controlled substances.

Maintains existing trafficking and aggravated trafficking provisions with mandatory minimum sentences of 10-40 years and 25 years to life respectively, with limited sentence mitigation options available at court discretion.

Effective July 1, 2021.