Sumter officials join Speaker Smith for signing of fentanyl-related deaths bill

Inside Sumter City Council chambers on Monday, May 19, Speaker of the House Murrell Smith was joined by Mayor David Merchant, Sumter County Council Chairman Jim McCain, Police Chief Russell Roark and Sheriff Anthony Dennis as he signed the fentanyl-induced homicide bill.

The bill was signed by State Senate President Thomas Alexander five days earlier on May 14. The full state legislature passed the bill earlier this month on May 8, the last day of the 2025 legislative session.

With Smith’s signature, the bill is scheduled to go to Gov. Henry McMaster where his signature is expected to make it state law. The law will take effect immediately, Speaker Smith told The Item.

The Fentanyl Bill (S. 156) makes it a felony to unlawfully provide fentanyl that results in someone's death, according to the legislation.  The South Carolina Department reported 2,296 drug overdose death in 2022, a 6% increase from 2021. Fentanyl has been the primary driver for these overdose deaths as it is often mixed with other illicit drugs, increasing the risk of a fatal overdose.

The bill originated from three fatal overdoses in Oconee County in February 2022. It was discovered that all three individuals had the synthetic drug, protonitazene, in their systems. The deaths caught the attention of many, including Alexander and Oconee County Sheriff Mike Krenshaw.

Speaker Smith said it took many years to get the bill passed. On the last day of the 2025 session, a member made an objection that would’ve prevented the bill from being considered until the next year. A meeting of the Rules Committee was called and they were able to find a way to allow the bill be taken and ultimately passed.

Smith, among others who supported this legislature, described it as a “life-saving bill” that addresses an important issue, ensures justice for victims of fentanyl-induced deaths and their loved ones as well as holds drug dealers accountable.