State Senate Republicans are working to boost the penalties against those who supply, transport or sell fentanyl.
A bill advanced Thursday that would sentence those who provide the drug to life in prison or death, if someone dies after taking it.
The move is prompted by the ongoing opioid epidemic, which has seen about 8,000 people die from overdoses in the last five years.
The bill advanced in the state Legislature despite receiving a cold reception from people testifying and Democrats.
Senate Judiciary Committee opponents raised concerns that people who provided the drug would avoid calling for medical help for overdose victims for fear of prosecution.
Republican Sen. Anthony Kern, who proposed the bill, said there are good Samaritan laws to protect such people who call for help.
But a local attorney Timothy Sparling testified that there was nothing mentioned as such in the proposal.
