Senate Approves Tougher Penalties for Those Who Provide Drugs in Fatal Overdose Cases

Thursday, March 23rd, 2023 -- 4:01 PM

(Bob Hague, WRN) -The state Senate on Tuesday approved a bill toughening penalties for those who provide drugs to people who fatally overdose, like the brother of Milwaukee Democrat LaTonya Johnson,

“I don't give a damn if this bill doesn't stop people from using. I do give a damn that it takes the person off the street who is killing other people because of their addictions.” Senator Johnson added, “And insult to injury, they are literally charging people for these drugs that kill them. My brother paid for his drug.”

Milwaukee Democrat Chris Larson voted no, “It solves nothing. It makes the problem worse. Over 400 overdose deaths in Milwaukee County and we refuse to work together, we've refused to collaborate.”

Senator Larson added the bill gives a false sense of doing something about addiction, “Can we hand out some bumper stickers? We did it,  we made a ‘C’ a ‘B’. Tough on crime, tough on crime, high fives all around. Solves nothing.”

It’s unclear whether Governor Tony Evers will veto the measure if it also passes the Assembly. The Senate and Assembly also approved bills defining carjacking and providing a penalty. Evers has indicated he'll sign those.

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