BATON ROUGE, LA -Senate Majority Leader Sharon Hewitt’s SB 49, known as the “Fentanyl Labs” bill, passed the legislature and has been sent to Governor Edwards’ desk for final signature. Hewitt’s bill sets higher penalties for those convicted of creating or operating a clandestine lab for the unlawful manufacturing of fentanyl, carfentanil, or a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, carfentanil, or its analogues.

“These criminals are manufacturing counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl and selling them to our young people.  As I travel the state and speak about this bill, everyone seems to know someone who has lost a friend or loved one to a fentanyl overdose,” Hewitt said. “This legislation dramatically increases the penalties for those criminals operating clandestine labs, sending a strong ‘tough on crime’ message that these criminals are not welcome in Louisiana.” 

Increased penalties for those convicted will increase from five to fifteen years in prison with up to a $25,000 fine to the following:  

1. First-time offenders will face imprisonment at hard labor for 10 years to 40 years, of which at least 10 years will be without the possibility of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence. Additionally, the offender may be fined up to $50,000. 
2. Second-time offenders will face imprisonment at hard labor for 30 years to 40 years, of which at least 10 years will be without the possibility of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence. Additionally, the offender may be fined up to $500,000. 
3. Third-time offenders will be imprisoned for life, or 99 years, to be served without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence, and may be fined up to $500,000.

Bill – Link