This bill aims to increase penalties for heroin-related offenses by revising the threshold amounts that define first, second, and third degree crimes associated with the manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing of heroin. Specifically, the bill reduces the threshold quantity for a first degree offense from five ounces to 2.5 ounces, for a second degree offense from one-half ounce to 0.17 ounces, and for a third degree offense from less than one-half ounce to less than 0.17 ounces. The bill does not alter the threshold quantities for other controlled dangerous substances.

In addition to the changes in threshold amounts, the bill stipulates that upon conviction for first and second degree heroin offenses, defendants will face mandatory minimum prison terms of one-third to one-half of the sentence imposed, during which they will be ineligible for parole. The bill also allows for significant fines, with a maximum of $500,000 for first degree offenses and $150,000 for second degree offenses. This legislation is in response to recommendations from the State Commission of Investigation regarding the growing issues of prescription pill and heroin abuse in New Jersey.