Posted: | June 4, 2019 10:34 AM |
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From: | Representative Clint Owlett |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Felony Crime for Drug Delivery Resulting in Seriously Bodily Injury |
I plan to introduce legislation creating a new felony crime for drug delivery that results in "serious bodily injury" to the user. Our prosecutors have used the current crime of “drug delivery resulting in death” to great effect in combatting the current drug crisis in the Commonwealth. I believe they would benefit from having this additional tool, which will be targeted only against those who deal drugs to others which then cause harm. The Crimes Code already recognizes that crimes resulting in serious bodily injury should be treated more harshly than less dangerous crimes. "Serious bodily injury" is defined in current law as creating a substantial risk of death or which causes serious permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of a body member or organ. With the increasingly deadly types of drugs being distributed to our citizens – sometimes sold as one drug, but laced in substances like fentanyl – the need for this bill is clear. Please join me to co-sponsor this legislation to combat our Commonwealth’s drug problem. |