Bill > H3798

This bill, titled "Relative to the trafficking of fentanyl," proposes to amend existing law by creating new penalties for individuals who traffic in fentanyl, which is a powerful opioid, or any of its derivatives. Trafficking is defined as knowingly or intentionally manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, or possessing fentanyl with the intent to do so, or bringing it into the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The severity of the punishment, which can include up to 20 years in state prison, is determined by the net weight of fentanyl involved. Specifically, the bill outlines mandatory minimum prison sentences that increase with the amount of fentanyl: 2 years for 10 to less than 36 grams, 3.5 years for 36 to less than 100 grams, 8 years for 100 to less than 200 grams, and 12 years for 200 grams or more. However, these new provisions will not take effect until the executive offices for administration and finance and public safety and security complete and submit a study on the bill's economic and revenue impact to the joint committee on judiciary, and until further legislation is enacted as required by the state constitution.