A Central Louisiana mother whose daughter died from a fentanyl overdose is the inspiration behind a bill that is currently in the legislature looking to enhance the criminal penalties related to fentanyl.
Senate Bill 315 (SB 315), authored by Sen. Glen Womack (R-District 32), would increase the penalties for those who distribute drugs laced with fentanyl. Under the current law, a convicted person receives a prison sentence of five to 40 years and a fine of no more than $50,000. The proposed version of the bill, including amendments by Sen. Mack White, Jr., would change the minimum sentence for a person who knowingly distributes the drug to a prison sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of 45 years. It would also increase the fine to no more than $100,000.
The bill is being dubbed “Millie’s Law.” In February 2017, Lilly Harvey’s daughter, Lillie Camille “Millie” Harvey, overdosed in City Park in Alexandria. Millie’s dealer is currently serving 20 years for negligent homicide and fentanyl distribution charges, among others. Last year, Harvey approached Sen. Womack about her daughter’s story, and he authored the bill to address the problem.
On Tuesday, Harvey joined Sen. Womack for its presentation to the Judiciary Committee.