Bill > SB58

This bill amends the existing law (RSA 318-B:26) to broaden the criminal venue options for prosecuting cases involving the distribution of a controlled drug that results in a death. Currently, such prosecutions are likely limited to a single jurisdiction, but this bill will allow prosecutors to bring charges in either the location where the death occurred or where the drug was manufactured, sold, or dispensed. This change provides more flexibility for law enforcement and prosecutors in pursuing criminal cases related to drug-related fatalities, potentially making it easier to hold individuals accountable for their role in fatal drug distributions. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and while it does not provide direct funding, the fiscal note indicates that it could potentially increase state expenditures between $10,000 and $100,000 due to potential increases in prosecution and witness-related costs depending on the locations involved in future cases.

Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=1017&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=SB58