NV SB153

SB 153 - Controlled Substance Murder Provisions

• Selling, giving, or trading controlled substances is declared inherently dangerous as a matter of law, and resulting deaths are deemed a natural and probable consequence of the violation
• "Proximately caused" is defined as a natural sequence producing death that would not have otherwise occurred; the substance must be the primary cause but not necessarily the sole cause
• Deaths caused by fentanyl, fentanyl derivatives, or mixtures containing fentanyl are classified as first-degree murder (Category A felony with potential penalties up to death or life without parole)
• Deaths caused by other controlled substances are classified as second-degree murder (Category A felony with 10-25 years to life with parole eligibility)
• Death penalty eligibility for fentanyl-related murders requires aggravating circumstances and prior convictions for trafficking offenses under NRS 453.3385, 453.3387, or 453.339