BILL NUMBER: S221
SPONSOR: PALUMBO
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the penal law, in relation to criminal possession and
sale of stimulants weighing fifteen grams or more
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this bill is to make the possession and/or sale of high
quantities of methamphetamine a class A-1 felony.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 220.21 of the penal law as amended by chapter 75 of the laws of
1995, the opening paragraph and subdivision 1 as amended by chapter 738
of the laws of 2004 is amended as it relates to criminal possession of
fifteen grams or more of methadone.
Section 220-43 of the penal law, as amended by chapter 785 of the laws
of 1975, subdivisions 1 and 2 as amended by chapter 75 of the laws of
1995 is amended as it relates to criminal sale of fifteen grams or more
of methadone.
Both possession and sale of high quantities of a controlled substance in
the first degree is a class A-1 felony
 
JUSTIFICATION:
This legislation adds new subsections to the penal law to make criminal
possession of methamphetamine and other controlled substances of two
thousand eight hundred milligrams or more a class A-1 felony. The chang-
es to the penal law will put methamphetamine on the same scale as other
narcotics like cocaine and heroin and increases penalties for those
trafficking illegal drugs throughout New York State. Additionally, my
making possession of high quantities of methamphetamine a class A-1
felony, those who possess, sell and traffic this dangerous drug would be
eligible for bail when arrested.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2024 S.3152; 2022 S.9506
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately