This bill establishes a mandatory minimum sentence for the crime of distribution of a controlled drug with death resulting. It amends RSA 318-B:26, IX to make it clear that any person who manufactures, sells, or dispenses certain controlled drugs and causes a death as a result of the injection, inhalation, or ingestion of that substance shall be sentenced to not less than 10 years of imprisonment, up to life imprisonment. The bill also specifies the conditions under which the person's act of manufacturing, dispensing, or selling the substance is considered the cause of death. The bill takes effect on January 1, 2025.

The fiscal impact of this bill is indeterminable. It may have an impact on the judicial and correctional systems, which could affect prosecution, incarceration, probation, and parole costs for the state, as well as county and local governments. The exact costs cannot be determined at this time. The bill has been reviewed by the Judicial Branch, Judicial Council, Department of Justice, Department of Corrections, New Hampshire Association of Counties, and New Hampshire Municipal Association.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 318-B:26