BOISE, Idaho – On Monday, January 29, the Idaho House of Representatives voted in favor of House Bill 406. This bill, introduced by Representative Edward H. “Ted” Hill (R, District 14) and Representative Chris Allgood (R, District 11), will add fentanyl trafficking to Idaho’s established mandatory minimum sentencing laws. Under Idaho Code, mandatory minimum sentencing already includes other dangerous and deadly drugs including cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin.
The Idaho House Republican Caucus released the following statement regarding the House Bill 406 vote of 55-13-2 on the floor:
“Fentanyl trafficking is an important issue for the people of Idaho and one we all agree must be dealt with immediately and head-on. Idaho House Republican Caucus members each worked diligently to understand the full implications on this legislation before casting their votes,” said Rep. Dustin Manwaring, Idaho House Majority Caucus Chair (R, District 29). “While we know House Bill 406 will not solve this public health crisis, it will act as a powerful deterrent and major first step in combating fentanyl traffickers and drug cartels from doing business in Idaho.”
“Now is the time to take a stand against the traffickers who are bringing death into our communities,” said Rep. Ted Hill, House Bill 406 co-sponsor. “House Bill 406 creates stringent sentencing guidelines for those who sell or distribute fentanyl in Idaho. This is another tool in our toolbox to fight against those who are bringing this dangerous narcotic into our communities.”
House Bill 406 now heads to the Idaho Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee.