Bill > SB14

This bill amends New Hampshire's Controlled Drug Act to establish mandatory minimum sentences for fentanyl-related drug offenses. Specifically, the bill introduces new sentencing guidelines for fentanyl class drugs: possessing 20 grams or more will result in a mandatory minimum sentence of 3.5 years in prison, while possessing 50 grams or more will carry a mandatory minimum of 7 years in prison. However, the bill provides exceptions to these mandatory minimums in three specific circumstances: if the offender was under 18 at the time of the offense, if the offender's mental capacity was significantly impaired (but not due to voluntary intoxication), or if the offender was a minor participant in a larger criminal act. The bill also allows for sentence mitigation if the defendant cooperates with law enforcement in an investigation that leads to an arrest or conviction. The new sentencing provisions will take effect on January 1, 2026, and are part of a broader effort to address penalties for serious drug offenses, particularly those involving fentanyl, a powerful and potentially deadly synthetic opioid.

Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=228&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=SB14