An Act relative to drug induced homicide

SD 1049 increases penalties for individuals trafficking Class A drugs who cause death, imposing up to life imprisonment. It also protects people seeking medical help for drug overdoses from prosecution. The bill creates a permanent commission to review drug-induced homicide convictions, ensuring no bias in charging/sentencing and promoting treatment options over mandatory minimums. The commission, composed of justice, law enforcement, and substance use experts, will report annually and make policy recommendations to state leaders. This bill directly affects drug traffickers causing deaths and overdose responders, with oversight focused on equitable application of the law.