Lawmakers in Maryland are pushing for tougher penalties for fentanyl and heroin dealers with the support of parents who have lost children to overdoses. The proposed bill, named in honor of four young Marylanders who died from fentanyl overdoses, would increase the maximum sentence to 20 years for those distributing the drugs resulting in death or serious harm. It would also allow for prosecution in the jurisdiction of distribution or overdose, lessening the burden on the families involved. The bill failed to pass in the last legislative session but is being reintroduced this year.
The parents, including Scott Broadfoot Sr., whose son died from a fentanyl overdose, and Edith Montalvan, who also lost a loved one, testified before lawmakers to emphasize the importance of seeking justice for their families. Montgomery County Police Captain Nick Picerno has expressed support for the bill, highlighting the need to hold dealers accountable for the harm they cause. The families hope that their powerful testimony will help push the bill through this time.
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