Parents Divided on Bill Targeting Drug Dealers for Overdose Deaths in Maryland
Parents grieving the loss of their children to overdoses took opposing stances on a proposed Maryland bill that would penalize drug dealers for fatal overdoses, with some supporting the measure while others questioned its effectiveness.
During testimony in Annapolis, parents shared emotional stories of loss, pausing through tears as they addressed lawmakers. Jackie Long from Baltimore County recalled her final vacation with her son Ryan before his fatal overdose. April Babcock spoke about her son Austen, who “will always be forever 25.” Scott D. Broadfoot Sr. tearfully displayed a T-shirt with his late son’s image, describing how 21-year-old Scottie died of an overdose in 2019.
These parents urged lawmakers to pass House Bill 1398, which would make it a felony to distribute heroin, fentanyl, or related substances that lead to a fatal overdose or serious injury, carrying a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.
However, Toni Torsch, whose son Dan died of a heroin overdose a decade ago, opposed the bill, saying she initially supported similar measures out of anger but now believes such laws fail to prevent overdose deaths. Dan Rabbitt, policy director at Behavioral Health System Baltimore, echoed this concern, stating there is no evidence that similar laws in 24 other states have reduced overdoses.
Montgomery County’s Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Earl Stoddard testified in favor of the bill, arguing that it balances holding drug dealers accountable while protecting those who call 911 or administer Narcan to save lives.
Despite their differences, Broadfoot Sr. emphasized a shared goal: saving lives. “This isn’t a red or blue issue,” he told lawmakers. “This is a red, white, and blue issue. We must stand together.”
A companion bill, SB604, was reviewed by the Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee last week.
