By Michael Phillips | MDBayNews
ANNAPOLIS — Maryland lawmakers are advancing legislation that would significantly strengthen criminal penalties for individuals who distribute heroin or fentanyl that leads to death or serious bodily injury, as the state continues to grapple with the devastating impact of the opioid crisis.
The legislation — HB 1386 / SB 906, known as “Victoria, Scottie, Ashleigh, and Yader’s Law” — is scheduled for a hearing in Annapolis today. The bill would establish a new felony offense targeting drug dealers whose actions directly result in fatal overdoses or severe injuries.
Supporters say the measure is intended to close gaps in current law and ensure that the individuals responsible for distributing the most dangerous drugs face meaningful consequences.
A New Felony Targeting Deadly Drug Distribution
Under the proposal, a person who distributes heroin or fentanyl that results in the death or serious bodily injury of another individual could face a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
The legislation is being introduced in the House by Delegate Chris Tomlinson and in the Senate by Senator Mary-Dulany James, with additional co-sponsors including Senator Justin Ready.
According to lawmakers backing the measure, the bill is designed to address the growing prevalence of fentanyl-related overdoses in Maryland — a crisis that has overwhelmed families, communities, and emergency services across the state.
“This bill is designed to go after drug dealers who are selling the worst of the worst to our loved ones,” Tomlinson said in announcing the legislation.
The measure is named after four victims whose lives were lost to drug overdoses, underscoring the personal toll the opioid epidemic has taken on Maryland families.
A State Still Struggling with Overdose Deaths
Maryland has experienced thousands of overdose deaths in recent years, with fentanyl responsible for the vast majority of fatalities.
The synthetic opioid — far more potent than heroin — has dramatically changed the nature of the drug crisis. Small amounts can be lethal, and the drug is often mixed into other substances without users realizing it.
Public health officials and law enforcement agencies have repeatedly warned that fentanyl distribution networks are increasingly sophisticated and difficult to disrupt.
Supporters of the bill argue that stronger penalties could deter drug trafficking operations responsible for distributing fentanyl throughout the state.
A Law-and-Order Approach to the Crisis
The legislation reflects a more law-enforcement-focused approach to combating the opioid crisis, emphasizing accountability for dealers who knowingly distribute dangerous narcotics.
In recent years, Maryland policymakers have largely emphasized harm-reduction strategies such as overdose prevention, treatment expansion, and public health interventions.
While those strategies remain important, some lawmakers argue they must be paired with stronger criminal penalties targeting the supply side of the drug trade.
Advocates of the bill say it is not intended to target individuals struggling with addiction, but rather those who profit from distributing drugs that kill.
Concerns from Criminal Justice Reform Advocates
As with many criminal justice proposals, the legislation may face scrutiny from reform advocates who argue that tougher penalties alone will not solve the overdose crisis.
Critics often warn that enhanced sentencing laws can lead to unintended consequences, including prosecutorial overreach or discouraging people from calling for emergency help during overdoses.
Supporters of the bill counter that the legislation focuses specifically on drug dealers whose distribution directly causes death or serious injury, rather than low-level users.
The debate reflects a broader national discussion over how to balance public health strategies with enforcement measures in addressing the opioid epidemic.
Hearing Scheduled in Annapolis
Lawmakers will hear testimony on the bill during a hearing at the Miller Senate Office Building in Annapolis, where advocates, families of overdose victims, and policy experts are expected to weigh in.
The outcome of the hearing will determine whether the legislation advances further in the General Assembly before the end of the 2026 legislative session.
For many supporters, the measure represents an effort to ensure that the individuals responsible for distributing deadly narcotics face accountability under Maryland law.
“This is about justice for families,” one supporter said ahead of the hearing. “And about stopping the people who are poisoning our communities.”
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