A bill for an act establishing a cause of action for murder in the first degree by causing the death of another by delivering, dispensing, or providing fentanyl or a fentanyl-related substance, and making penalties applicable.(See HF 792.)

House File 365 (HF365) was a bill introduced in the Iowa General Assembly on February 12, 2025, by Representative Jon Dunwell. The bill aimed to establish that delivering, dispensing, or providing fentanyl or fentanyl-related substances resulting in another person's death would constitute first-degree murder. This would subject offenders to the state's most severe penalties. HF365 was withdrawn on March 31, 2025, and its provisions were incorporated into House File 792 (HF792), which continued through the legislative process.

Supporters of HF365 and its successor, HF792, argue that the legislation is a necessary response to the escalating opioid crisis, particularly the surge in fentanyl-related deaths. They believe that imposing severe penalties on those who distribute fentanyl will deter its distribution and potentially save lives. Proponents include law enforcement agencies and public safety advocates who emphasize the bill's role in holding drug dealers accountable for the fatal consequences of their actions.

Critics of the legislation express concerns that the bill may disproportionately affect low-level drug offenders rather than targeting major traffickers. They argue that such severe penalties could lead to overcrowded prisons without effectively addressing the root causes of substance abuse. Additionally, some civil rights organizations worry that the bill could exacerbate existing disparities in the criminal justice system, particularly affecting marginalized communities.