Bill > LD1554

This bill aims to clarify and standardize the quantities of certain drugs that constitute a criminal offense, particularly focusing on possession. It amends existing laws by adjusting the weight thresholds for possessing heroin, fentanyl powder, cocaine, and methamphetamine, generally lowering the amount that triggers a more serious charge. For instance, possession of more than 200 milligrams of heroin or fentanyl powder, or more than 2 grams of cocaine, will now be subject to specific penalties. The bill also addresses the possession of pills, capsules, or units containing narcotic drugs, requiring a certain aggregate weight of the drug to be present for a more serious offense, and it introduces new provisions for possessing schedule W drugs, which include heroin, cocaine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, methamphetamine, and fentanyl powder, with specific quantity thresholds and enhanced penalties for individuals with prior drug convictions. Additionally, it clarifies that possessing these schedule W drugs with a valid prescription for legitimate medical use can be a defense, and it designates deferred dispositions as a preferred outcome for possession of schedule W drugs, especially for those with prior convictions.