Attorney General Marty Jackley announced that SB 65, a bill to enhance penalties for persons who distribute and manufacture controlled substances when a person dies as direct result of using that substance in South Dakota has passed the full Senate on a vote of 32 to 3. The Senate Judiciary passed the bill on Feb. 8.

“Law enforcement is actively investigating and prosecuting 4 overdose deaths in South Dakota, 3 resulting from fentanyl and 1 resulting from heroin. As we continue to deal with these increasing numbers of drug overdoses, those who knowingly provide these deadly drugs need to be held accountable,” said Jackley.

Senate Bill 65
• Enhance penalties for persons who distribute and manufacture controlled substances when a person dies as direct result of using that substance
• Any person who for consideration intentionally and unlawfully distributes or manufactures a controlled substance and another person dies as a direct result of using that substance would have their sentence of the principal felony enhanced by two levels.