A person who sells or gives away an illegal drug containing fentanyl that causes the death of the user could be charged with manslaughter under a bill that passed the Alabama House of Representatives on Thursday.

Rep. Chris Pringle, R-Mobile, has tried for several years to get the legislation passed in response to the surge in overdose deaths in Alabama caused by fentanyl.

The House added an amendment by Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, that said it’s not a defense against prosecution under the law if the person who provided the illegal drug to the person who died did not know that it contained fentanyl.

Pringle’s bill would add a third category of the circumstances that result in a manslaughter charge.

Under current law, a person is guilty of manslaughter if they recklessly cause the death of another person, or if they cause a death that would be considered murder except that it occurred during a heat of passion.

Manslaughter is a Class B felony, punishable by two to 20 years in prison.

Pringle’s bill passed 99-0. It moves to the Senate.