Watro: Statute of Limitations on Drug Deliveries that Result in Death Needs to Change

July 7, 2026

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Dane Watro (R-Luzerne/Schuylkill) said Tuesday he and his colleagues are continuing to push for improvements to prosecutors’ ability to go after individuals who deliver drugs that result in death.

Recent media reports have put a spotlight on what is a limitation in our state law that allows drug dealers to get away with murder.

Watro has authored legislation, House Bill 2279, to extend the two-year statute of limitations on the crime of drug delivery resulting in death (DDRD) to five years. Numerous district attorneys and the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association have said the two-year limitation has hampered prosecution. According to the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania, from 2024 to 2025, DDRD charges decreased by 22% and convictions decreased by 72%.

DDRD is a first-degree felony issued to a person who intentionally administers, dispenses, delivers, gives, prescribes, sells or distributes any controlled substance, when another person dies after using the substance.

“By extending the statute of limitations from two years to five, this legislative oversight will be addressed, and we will be better able to bring parties who are responsible for a fatal overdose to justice,” said Watro.

Representative Dane Watro
116th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Chris Comisac
717-772-9845
ccomisac@pahousegop.com
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