Maryland Parents Push for Law to Hold Drug Dealers Accountable in Overdose Deaths

Families who lost children to fentanyl overdoses advocate for new legislation that would make distribution of deadly drugs a felony

Mar. 10, 2026 at 9:13pm

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Parents who have lost children to fentanyl overdoses in Maryland are pushing for a new law that would hold drug dealers accountable when someone dies from an overdose. They went to the state capital of Annapolis on Tuesday to plead with lawmakers to pass the legislation, which would make distribution of heroin or fentanyl causing serious bodily injury or death a felony. Supporters say the bill is needed to keep deadly drugs off the streets and provide some accountability, while opponents are concerned it could punish those struggling with addiction.

Why it matters

Fentanyl overdoses have become a major public health crisis in Maryland and across the country, with the powerful synthetic opioid contributing to a surge in overdose deaths. Families who have lost loved ones are seeking ways to hold drug dealers responsible and deter the distribution of these deadly substances, but the issue has faced strong opposition in the past.

The details

The proposed legislation would make it a felony to distribute heroin or fentanyl that results in serious injury or death. Supporters say dozens of other states already have similar "drug-induced homicide" laws, and they're hoping changes to the bill like requiring a prior drug conviction for the new felony charge will help get it passed this year after previous failures. Opponents are concerned the bill could punish those struggling with addiction who need treatment rather than prison.

  • On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, parents went to the state capital of Annapolis to advocate for the new legislation.
  • This is the third year in a row the bill has been introduced in the Maryland legislature.

The players

Isis Flores

A Montgomery County, Maryland mother who lost her 16-year-old son Yader to a fentanyl overdose.

Scott Broadfoot Sr.

A Maryland father who lost his 21-year-old son Scottie to an overdose, and says the person responsible could not be charged under current state law.

Del. Chris Tomlinson

A Maryland state delegate representing Carroll and Frederick Counties who is sponsoring the bill to hold drug dealers accountable for overdose deaths.

Stuart Welch

A representative from the Harford County State's Attorney's Office who supports the legislation, saying it's time for Maryland to join other states with similar "drug-induced homicide" laws.

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What they’re saying

“A mother who lost a child in 2022 to this horrible drug. This is something horrible and that a child passed through — my son was one of them.”

— Isis Flores (nbcwashington.com)

“Losing Scottie is a devastation unlike any other. The pain that follows, his passing, is something our family carries every day.”

— Scott Broadfoot Sr. (nbcwashington.com)

“We can't bring these brothers, sisters, moms, dads back. But we can take this small step to keep this poison off the streets and hold drug dealers accountable for selling a lethal product that results in death of those we cherish the most.”

— Del. Chris Tomlinson, Maryland State Delegate (nbcwashington.com)

“It is time that House Bill 1386, that this bill be passed so Maryland can join the vast majority of jurisdictions that already see the dangers of fentanyl and already have drug-induced homicide laws”

— Stuart Welch, Harford County State's Attorney's Office (nbcwashington.com)

“How many lives must we lose?”

— Scott Broadfoot Sr. (nbcwashington.com)

What’s next

The Maryland legislature will decide whether to pass the bill, which would make distribution of heroin or fentanyl causing serious bodily injury or death a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

The takeaway

This legislation highlights the ongoing battle to address the devastating fentanyl overdose crisis, as families who have lost loved ones push for new laws to hold drug dealers accountable, while others raise concerns about potentially punishing those struggling with addiction. The outcome of this bill could set an important precedent for other states grappling with similar challenges.