FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, February 26, 2025
"Noah's Law" to Crack Down on Convicted Fentanyl Dealers
Who Contribute to Overdose Deaths Passes Senate
PHOENIX, ARIZONA— Legislation to help protect Arizonans from fentanyl-related deaths, by deterring drug dealers with harsher punishment for supplying these fatal narcotics, is now headed to the House for consideration after passing the Senate today with bipartisan support.
Arizona is facing a devastating reality, one that has taken far too many lives and continues to grow in rapid destruction. The heartbreaking death of Noah, a 17-year-old Desert Mountain High School student, who tragically lost his life to a synthetic opioid overdose last year, highlights the significant threat opioids have on the lives of Arizonans. Despite the profound loss to Noah's family and community, the individual responsible for supplying the lethal drug has not been brought to justice, underscoring the need for stronger measures to deter the illegal fentanyl trade.
"Noah's Law," sponsored by Senator Carine Werner, builds upon Proposition 314, which voters overwhelmingly passed last November to secure the border and create a separate criminal classification for the sale of fentanyl. Also known as SB 1621, the bill establishes stricter sentencing penalties for drug dealers who are convicted of selling a narcotic drug, such as fentanyl, if the narcotic drug sold contributed to the death of another person. Through this measure, a person who knowingly transports, imports, offers to transport, sells, or offers to sell a narcotic drug may be considered guilty of a class 2 felony. According to SB 1621, a conviction for such an offense will result in a minimum sentence of 15 years, a presumptive sentence of 20 years, and a maximum sentence of 25 years.
"The tragic death of Noah is not just another statistic- it's a devastating reminder of the lives that are stolen by the fentanyl epidemic," said Senator Werner. "We cannot continue to allow drug dealers to operate with impunity, especially when their actions destroy families and take the lives of our children. 'Noah's Law' would ensure that those responsible for distributing this deadly poison face appropriate consequences. While the new sentencing range outlined in this bill won't make the pain of losing a loved one any easier to deal with, it will better reflect the seriousness of the crime. I am committed to protecting Arizona families from the devastation of overdose deaths and will continue to work diligently to address the opioid crisis head-on."
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus
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