Policy

Red states boost fentanyl penalties in bid to reduce overdoses

Iowa, Montana and Florida this month became the latest to toughen penalties.
A Baltimore police cruiser is seen parked on a street, Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Iowa, Montana and Florida this month became the latest Republican-led states to increase penalties for crimes related to the distribution of fentanyl, as lawmakers continue to seek solutions to the deadly opioid crisis.

Next up is Texas, where the legislature last week approved a bill that would allow a fentanyl dealer to be charged with murder for an overdose. The bill now goes to Gov. Greg Abbott (R), who has made border security and fighting fentanyl a priority and has indicated he would sign the bill.

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