HANOVER, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Since the beginning of the opioid epidemic in the United States, thousands of families have been adversely impacted by overdose deaths.  This was exacerbated during the pandemic when in 2022 and 2023 over 100,000 Americans died annually from drug overdose deaths.  At the same time, in Virginia, four people a day were dying from overdose deaths.  The Youngkin Administration, led by the office of the Attorney General launched the “One pill can kill” initiative spearheaded by AG Jason Miyares and his team to bring awareness and prevention to overdose deaths due in particular to fentanyl.  On Friday, Governor Youngkin ceremonially signed a piece of legislation passed by the General Assembly that would hold those who distribute and manufacture fentanyl that results in the death of the person they sold it to, liable for manslaughter under the criminal code of Virginia.  This is what some would consider an aggressive approach, that has some nuance to the issue, but the Governor believes it will be a deterrent to drug dealers in the commonwealth and ultimately reduce deaths by fentanyl.

“Today, we take a crucial step in addressing the fentanyl crisis in Virginia. Fentanyl dealers should be held accountable for the lives they take and the families and communities they destroy,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Through our comprehensive approach, Virginia is leading the nation in reducing drug overdoses and fentanyl deaths, which have dropped by 44 percent year-over-year. I am proud to sign this commonsense bill into law which brings dealers to justice and protects Virginia’s families.”

“This legislation builds on a multi-faceted approach to reducing opioid use and fentanyl poisoning,” said First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin. “Through the It Only Takes One fentanyl awareness initiative and the advocacy of Fentanyl Family Ambassadors, we are sparking conversations and saving lives.”

“Fentanyl has devastated too many Virginia families. If you knowingly distribute fentanyl and it costs someone their life, you will be held accountable. I’m grateful to Governor Youngkin and the General Assembly for giving law enforcement the tools to fight back against the scourge of fentanyl,” said Attorney General Jason Miyares. 

The bill, SB 746 was sponsored by state senator Ryan McDougle, who said the following at the ceremony.  “Fighting to lock up drug dealers who kill Virginians with deadly fentanyl has been a top priority, and we’ve spent countless hours over multiple General Assembly sessions pushing to get it done. I’m proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with Governor Youngkin and Attorney General Miyares as we take this decisive step forward. SB 746 is a major victory, but the fight isn’t over. I’ll keep leading the charge to deliver even tougher penalties and protect every corner of our Commonwealth.”

A link to the official release from the office of the Governor is below:

https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2025/june/name-1051605-en.html