S 1257
An Act relative to crimes relating to distribution of controlled substances causing death
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House
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- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill seeks to increase penalties for the distribution of controlled substances that lead to a person’s death. It aims to clarify and strengthen the legal framework surrounding drug-related fatalities, potentially increasing the severity of charges and sentences for those involved in distributing harmful substances. The legislation is currently under review by the Massachusetts legislature’s Judiciary Committee. This bill builds upon previous attempts to address similar issues related to drug offenses and sentencing.
Key provisions
- Increases penalties for distributing controlled substances that cause death.
- Clarifies the legal definition of ‘distribution’ in the context of drug-related deaths.
- Addresses potential gaps in existing law regarding accountability for fatal drug overdoses.
- May include provisions related to enhanced sentencing for repeat offenders.
- Could establish stricter requirements for evidence in drug-related death cases.
Who is affected
- Individuals involved in the distribution of controlled substances
- Families of victims of drug-related deaths
- Law enforcement agencies
- The legal system
- Pharmaceutical companies (indirectly, through regulation)
Notable changes
- The bill aims to strengthen existing laws regarding drug-related deaths.
- It may address ambiguities in current definitions of ‘distribution’.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Bruce E. Tarr
Cosponsors
Bruce E. Tarr
Peter J. Durant
Steven George Xiarhos
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Bill S.1257 194th (Current)
An Act relative to crimes relating to distribution of controlled substances causing death
By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1257) of Bruce E. Tarr and Steven George Xiarhos for legislation relative to crimes relating to distribution of controlled substances causing death. The Judiciary.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Bruce E. Tarr
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Primary Sponsor Summary
Bill History
Displaying 5 actions for Bill S.1257
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Referred to the committee on The Judiciary |
| 2/27/2025 | House | House concurred |
| 4/29/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 05/06/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| 10/20/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 05/06/2025 from 01:00 PM-04:00 PM in A-2 |
| 12/18/2025 | Senate | Accompanied a study order (under JR10), see S2886 |
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