NY A05069

Enacts "Chelsey's law"; provides that a person commits the crime of manslaughter or aggravated manslaughter when such person knows or has reasonable grounds to know that a controlled substance is likely to cause the death of another person and sells, administers, delivers, or causes the delivery of a controlled substance to another person and such substance causes, contributes to, or aids in the death of such other person.

Introduced House Steve Stern (D)
Plain English Summary

The bill, known as 'Chelsey's law,' makes it a crime for someone to sell or provide a controlled substance if they know it could likely cause someone's death. If that substance leads to a death, the person responsible could be charged with manslaughter or aggravated manslaughter. This law aims to hold individuals accountable for their role in drug-related fatalities.

Supporters Say

Supporters of 'Chelsey's law' argue that it will help deter drug dealers from selling dangerous substances that can lead to fatal overdoses. They believe the law will save lives by imposing stricter penalties on those who knowingly distribute harmful drugs, thereby addressing the ongoing opioid crisis and protecting communities.

Critics Say

Critics of 'Chelsey's law' contend that it may disproportionately punish individuals who are already struggling with addiction or mental health issues. They argue that the law could lead to unintended consequences, such as discouraging people from seeking help in emergencies for fear of legal repercussions, ultimately harming public health efforts.

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About This Analysis

This summary was generated using AI from the bill's official text and metadata. Data sourced from LegiScan and the New York State Legislature. Conflict-of-interest analysis for this bill is coming soon.