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HF 126

A bill for an act relating to penalties for the manufacture, delivery, or possession of certain amounts of controlled substances involving cocaine or cocaine base.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brian Lohse

Bill HF 126 aligns penalties for cocaine and cocaine base, ensuring uniformity in legal consequences for possession or delivery over 500 grams, impacting offenders and law enforcement.

Introduced, referred to Public Safety.
#controlledsubstances #drugs #stimulants
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Bill Summary · HF 126

Summary of Bill HF 126

Bill Number: HF 126
Title: A bill for an act relating to penalties for the manufacture, delivery, or possession of certain amounts of controlled substances involving cocaine or cocaine base.
Status: Introduced, referred to Public Safety
Introduced Date: January 27, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Controlled Substances, Drugs, Stimulants

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill HF 126 is to amend existing laws regarding the penalties associated with the manufacture, delivery, or possession of specific amounts of controlled substances, particularly focusing on cocaine and cocaine base. The bill aims to align the penalties for cocaine base with those for cocaine and its derivatives, ensuring consistency in the legal framework governing these substances.

Key Provisions

  • Penalty Structure: The bill proposes changes to the current penalty structure for violations involving cocaine and cocaine base. Under current law:

    • Possession or delivery of more than 500 grams of cocaine or its derivatives is classified as a Class "B" felony, punishable by up to 50 years of confinement and a fine of up to $1 million.
    • The bill seeks to establish a similar penalty for violations involving cocaine base, ensuring that the amount required for a specific charge is consistent with that of cocaine.

  • Specific Amounts: The bill specifies that:

    • A violation involving more than 500 grams of cocaine, its salts, optical and geometric isomers, or salts of isomers, or cocaine base will be treated uniformly under the law.
    • A violation involving more than 100 grams but not more than 500 grams of cocaine will also be subject to the same penalties, although the specific penalties for this range are not detailed in the provided text.

Affected Parties

  • Individuals: The bill primarily affects adults who are found to manufacture, deliver, or possess controlled substances, specifically cocaine and cocaine base.
  • Law Enforcement: The bill may impact law enforcement practices and legal proceedings related to drug offenses, as it modifies the criteria for charging individuals with felonies.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Process: The bill was introduced on January 27, 2025, and has been referred to the Public Safety committee for further consideration.
  • Next Steps: The bill will undergo discussions and potential amendments within the committee before it can be brought to the floor for a vote.

Conclusion

Bill HF 126 seeks to create a more coherent legal framework regarding penalties for cocaine and cocaine base offenses. By aligning the penalties for these substances, the bill aims to enhance the effectiveness of drug enforcement and ensure that individuals are held accountable under consistent legal standards. The outcome of this bill could have significant implications for drug policy and law enforcement practices in the jurisdiction.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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