Legislation toughens existing laws
 
(Albany, N.Y.) The Senate Democratic Majority passed legislation (S6418A) sponsored by Senator Craig Johnson (D-Nassau) which toughens existing laws to make it so a person who sells a controlled substance that causes a death would be charged with manslaughter.
 
This legislation is part of a comprehensive effort to combat drug abuse. Along with other measures that focus on prevention efforts, this legislation targets those who exploit drug addiction for their own profit and holds them accountable when others die because of their actions.
 
Under current law, a dealer cannot be charged in relation to a heroin user’s death unless the dealer is physically involved in the injection of the drug. Under the proposed legislation, the statute for Manslaughter in the Second Degree would be amended to include anyone age 18 and older, and with a prior drug conviction, who knowingly sells a controlled substance to another person that is consumed by such person or another person and such controlled substance contributes to the death of such person or other person.
 
Senator Johnson said, “A gravely serious heroin epidemic is gripping Long Island’s youth and those who sell death to our children must be held accountable. This legislation will give prosecutors one more tool to protect our communities and safeguard our future.”
 
Senator Darrel J. Aubertine (D-Cape Vincent) said, “Drug use among teens has become a real problem throughout the state and certainly in the North Country. While our focus must be keeping kids away from drugs, that includes keeping them out of reach from drug dealers.”
 
Senator Brian X. Foley (D-Blue Point) said, “As communities across Long Island struggle to combat the increased flow of heroin and other illegal drugs into our neighborhoods, we must protect our children and families. This legislation sends a clear signal to drug dealers that we will not allow them to declare open season on our youth.”
 
Senate Majority Conference Leader John L. Sampson said, “We must give law enforcement the tools it needs to stop the deadly sale of drugs to our children. From one parent to another, I commend Senator Johnson for his efforts to keep our streets safe and our children secure from drug dealers.”
 
For more information: http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/search?term=S6418A

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