AUGUSTA, Maine — A bill designed to fight drug addiction by doubling sentences for importing heroin and other opiates into Maine is moving toward passage in the Legislature.
LD 1541, which passed through the Senate on a 26-8 vote on Tuesday, was approved in the House on Wednesday.
The bill would elevate the illegal importation of Schedule W drugs — which include amphetamines, cocaine, heroin and other opiates — from a Class C to a Class B crime.
That change effectively doubles the maximum possible prison sentence from five years to 10 years. The bill also makes it a felony to import other drugs into Maine and creates a new crime of aggravated importation of schedule drugs, which in certain circumstances could result to the forfeiture of firearms.
There was some wrangling about details in the bill during House debate on Wednesday and an attempt to abandon a committee amendment that weakened the bill failed. Most lawmakers agreed with the general concept.
“I believe we should provide additional tools to law enforcement to help them stop drug dealers,” said Rep. Catherine Nadeau, D-Winslow.
Rep. Lloyd Herrick, R-Paris, said he supports the bill in part because it is merciless on drug dealers.
“These criminals are not just one-time offenders who have made a bad decision,” said Herrick. “These are people who have no regard for the people they hurt.”
The bill faces more votes in the House and Senate. Another bill to help law enforcement efforts against drug addiction, LD 1544, which would ramp up penalties for drug possession, was tabled Thursday in the House.
Both bills are part of a bipartisan effort this year to fight drug addiction in Maine — particularly the abuse of opiates like heroin and fentanyl — through various measures. Lawmakers and Gov. Paul LePage added funding to law enforcement and treatment efforts earlier this year, and there are a range of other measures under consideration.
