Rep. Chip Roy Unveils Bill for Death Penalty on Fentanyl Dealers Causing Death

Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, plans to unveil a bill Tuesday that would permit the death penalty for anyone who knowingly distributes fentanyl resulting in death, according to a draft obtained by Fox News Digital.

The legislation, named the Deal Death, Face Death Act, reflects ongoing Republican efforts to target narcotics distribution as fentanyl deaths decline.

"If a dealer distributes fentanyl or fentanyl-laced drugs and someone dies as a result, that dealer has effectively signed that person’s death warrant," Roy said in a statement.

In 2024, nearly 48,400 Americans died from fentanyl poisoning, per the National Center for Health Statistics, down 36 percent from 2023.

Roy said capital punishment would drive numbers lower. "Congress must stand with the families devastated by this crisis and send a clear message: if you deal death, you will face the full weight of justice," the Texas Republican told Fox News Digital.

The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 limits distribution penalties to life in prison. Roy's bill would amend it to mandate death if death results from the substance.

It also doubles fines for fentanyl offenses to $2 million for individuals and $10 million for other entities. The measure targets fentanyl and related substances.

The death penalty would not be automatic. Roy said it equips prosecutors to act more forcefully, particularly when dealers lace heroin, cocaine or methamphetamine with fentanyl. His office said current law protects such dealers who target unaware buyers.

"[The act] closes a dangerous loophole and gives prosecutors the ability to pursue capital punishment against the worst offenders who are profiting off the deaths of Americans," Roy said.