Bill
Bill > A3695
NJ A3695
NJ A3695Increases penalty for crime of manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing certain Schedule I and II controlled dangerous substances.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill upgrades the degree of crime associated with the manufacturing, distributing or dispensing of Schedule I or II drugs. It is the sponsor's intent to establish penalties for fentanyl-related drug crimes that are more equivalent to the current penalties for heroin. Currently, fentanyl, despite being more potent and dangerous than heroin, is subject to lighter penalties. It is the sponsor's intent to address the disparities in penalties between the two drugs in order to reduce the incentive to exploit fentanyl's potency and profitability and reduce the risk posed by fentanyl to the citizens of this State. Under current law, it is a second degree crime to manufacture, distribute, or dispense a substance classified as a narcotic drug in Schedule I or II, in any quantity of one ounce or more. It is a crime of the third degree to manufacture, distribute, or dispense a Schedule I or II drug in a quantity of less than one ounce. Under the bill, it is a crime of the first degree to manufacture, distribute, or dispense a Schedule I or II drug in a quantity of one ounce or more; a second degree crime if the quantity is one-half ounce or more, but less than one ounce; and a third degree crime for less than one-half ounce. A first degree crime is ordinarily punishable by 10 to 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $200,000, or both. A second degree crime is ordinarily punishable by five to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. A third degree crime is ordinarily punishable by three to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. Under the bill, a person who commits the first degree crime of manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing a Schedule I or II drug may instead face a fine of up to $500,000. Further, a person who commits the third degree crime may instead face a fine of up $75,000.
AI Summary
This bill increases the penalties for manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing certain controlled dangerous substances classified as Schedule I or II drugs, specifically aiming to align penalties for fentanyl-related crimes with those for heroin due to fentanyl's greater potency and danger. Under the proposed changes, manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing one ounce or more of these substances will become a first-degree crime, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000; quantities between one-half ounce and one ounce will be a second-degree crime, with penalties of five to 10 years in prison and fines up to $150,000; and quantities less than one-half ounce will remain a third-degree crime, but with a potential fine increase up to $75,000. These changes are intended to deter the exploitation of fentanyl's potency and profitability and reduce the risks it poses to the public.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A3695 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A4000/3695_I1.HTM |
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