House Republicans Vote for Stronger Penalties for Drug Dealers

Lansing, MI – Yesterday, the Michigan House of Representatives voted to create stronger penalties for drug dealers who cause massive bodily harm with the illegal substances they sell. Under current law, drug dealers can be held criminally liable if someone dies due to an overdose, but there is no liability in cases where someone ends up in the hospital or is permanently injured from these drugs.

HB 5157, introduced by state Representative Thomas Kuhn, creates criminal penalties for people who sell and traffic drugs that end up putting someone in the hospital.

Hundreds of people die each year in Michigan due to drug overdoses, especially drugs that have been laced with fentanyl, which comes across the U.S. Southern Border. When someone survives an overdose, their quality of life can still be irreparably damaged, but the person who sold the dangerous drugs may only end up with a slap on the wrist.

Despite the thousands of Michigan families who have been shattered by illegal drugs, most House Democrats, including Representatives Denise Mentzer and Reggie Miller, voted no on the bill.

“The fentanyl crisis facing Michigan has torn families apart across our state,” said Gabe Butzke, a spokesperson for Michigan Forward Network. “It’s inexcusable that Reggie Miller and Denise Mentzer would side with drug dealers over our friends, our family, and our children.”