Fentanyl Victims Can Sue Foreign States Aiding Drug Trafficking.
This law allows U.S. citizens harmed by illicit fentanyl trafficking to sue foreign governments and entities that knowingly supported or participated in the drug trade. It removes sovereign immunity for foreign states in civil cases seeking damages for death or injury caused by fentanyl trafficking within the U.S. This provides victims and their families with a new legal avenue to seek justice and financial compensation.
Key points
U.S. nationals can sue foreign states for injuries or deaths resulting from fentanyl trafficking into the United States.
The law removes foreign sovereign immunity when a foreign state's actions (or its agents' actions) contribute to illicit fentanyl trafficking.
Liability extends to those who aid, abet, or conspire in the act of fentanyl trafficking.
The provisions apply retroactively to injuries that occurred on or after January 1, 2013.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_389
Sponsor: Sen. Thune, John [R-SD]
Process start date: 2023-02-09