Establishes the crime of homicide by sale of an opiate controlled substance

S 972 creates a new class A-1 felony offense for unlawfully selling or transporting an opiate-controlled substance (defined as any opiate or opium derivative listed in New York's public health law schedules I-V) that causes another person's death. It directly affects individuals who sell or transport such substances, including those involved in the illicit drug trade. The bill includes a specific defense if the defendant jointly used the substance with the deceased for mutual consumption. This law imposes the highest felony penalty for these actions, distinct from standard homicide charges. The bill, nicknamed "Laree's Law," will take effect 90 days after enactment.