Anyone age 18 or older who knowingly sells certain drugs manufactured to resemble candy or other commercial products will spend at least 25 years in jail under a new law that went into effect this month.
Under CS/CS/HB 1359, those who deliberately sell Alfentanil, Carfentanil, Fentanyl or Sufentanil disguised to minors as candy, cereal, a gummy, a vitamin, or a chewable product, such as a gum or gelatin-based product, or if packaging contains a cartoon character imprint, could face a mandatory minimum sentence of not less than 25 years and more than life imprisonment and could be subject to a fine of $1 million.
The measure is one of several laws that became effective on Oct. 1.
Also, as of this month, HB1297 allows judges to impose the death penalty on those convicted of raping a child 12 years of age or younger. The bi-partisan measure also allows the jury to recommend the death penalty for anyone convicted of sexual battery of a child younger than age 12.
Also effective Oct. 1 is CS/CS/HB 919, which amends statutes related to homeowner associations by, among other things, prohibiting certain funds from being commingled with association funds and requiring that certain accounting and remittance of funds take place within a specified time frame.
The measure also sets down criminal and civil penalties for actions by officers, directors, or managers of associations, requires disclosures and provides criminal penalties for fraudulent voting activities.
Finally, HB 949 prohibits anyone 18 years of age or younger from operating a golf cart on public roads or streets unless the operator has a valid learner’s permit, a valid driver’s license or a government-issued picture identification card.
HB 949, CS/CS/HB 1359 and HB 1297 were all signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis in May. CS/CS/HB 919 was signed into law in June.
