HB 474/ SB 375 imposes harsher penalties for those who supply drugs that lead to an overdose. This bill would charge people with "death by distribution", a criminal charge that would be similar to voluntary manslaughter or second-degree murder but would not require prosecutors to prove intent to kill or malice. This bill could discourage people from calling 911 and could undo the protections given under the Good Samaritan Law. The bill's overcriminalization of drug overdoses would lead to less reportings and more deaths.
Update: Governor Roy Cooper signed this bill into law. Read our veto letter here.
