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HB 967

Fentanyl delivery resulting in death; extend repealer on Parker's Law creating the crime of.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Fred Shanks

Mississippi bill extends the expiration deadline for Parker's Law, which imposes felony penalties for fentanyl distribution resulting in death.

Died In Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 967

Legislative bill overview

HB 967 would extend the "repealer" (sunset clause) deadline for Mississippi's "Parker's Law," which criminalizes fentanyl delivery resulting in death. The bill seeks to keep this specific criminal statute on the books beyond its currently scheduled expiration date, preventing the law from automatically lapsing.

Why is this important

Parker's Law creates enhanced penalties for distributing fentanyl that causes a fatal overdose, addressing the opioid crisis through stricter criminal liability. The extension determines whether Mississippi maintains this specific felony charge or allows it to expire, affecting how prosecutors can charge drug-related deaths and sentencing options available to courts.

Potential points of contention

  • Sunset clause philosophy: Debate over whether criminal statutes should automatically expire and require renewal versus remaining permanent, and whether this creates accountability or legislative inefficiency
  • Fentanyl policy scope: Questions about whether enhanced penalties specifically for fentanyl are the most effective opioid crisis response, or if broader drug policy reform is needed
  • Criminal justice approach: Disagreement over whether criminalizing drug distributors reduces overdose deaths effectively or if treatment/harm reduction approaches are preferable

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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