FENTANYL DEALING WITH DEATH AS CAPITAL CRIME

SB 95, introduced by Senator Crystal Brantley in New Mexico's 2025 legislative session, would make the distribution of fentanyl (or chemically similar substances) that causes death a capital felony punishable by the death penalty. The bill defines "fentanyl-related substance" broadly to include compounds with specific chemical modifications and prohibits defenses claiming the victim intentionally used the drug. It directly affects individuals who distribute fentanyl or related substances resulting in a death. The bill was referred to committees but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025, and has not become law.