This bill amends Section 30-31-21 of the New Mexico Statutes to establish stricter penalties for the distribution of controlled substances to minors. It specifies that individuals aged eighteen or older are prohibited from intentionally distributing controlled substances to those under eighteen, with penalties varying based on the schedule of the substance involved. For violations involving substances listed in Schedules I, II, III, or IV, the first offense is classified as a second-degree felony, while subsequent offenses escalate to a first-degree felony.

Additionally, the bill introduces enhanced penalties for violations involving controlled substances specifically enumerated in Schedules I or II that are classified as narcotic drugs, including methamphetamine and its analogs. Such violations will be categorized as first-degree felonies, regardless of whether it is a first or subsequent offense, thereby imposing more severe consequences for distributing these particularly dangerous substances to minors.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 30-31-21