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SD 647

An Act relative to illegal drug and firearm trafficking

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by David DeCoste and 2 co-sponsors

SD 647 - An Act relative to illegal drug and firearm trafficking OverviewBill Number: SD 647 Title: An Act relative to illegal drug and firearm trafficking Status: Proposed bill

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Bill Summary · SD 647

SD 647 - An Act relative to illegal drug and firearm trafficking

Overview

Bill Number: SD 647
Title: An Act relative to illegal drug and firearm trafficking
Status: Proposed bill
Introduced: November 29, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of this bill is to strengthen law enforcement's ability to combat the growing problems of illegal drug and firearm trafficking within the state. The legislation aims to provide additional tools and resources to disrupt the supply chains and distribution networks that enable these illicit activities, which have been linked to rising rates of violent crime and overdose deaths.

Key Provisions

  • Establishes a new state-level task force to coordinate intelligence gathering, investigation, and enforcement efforts between local, state, and federal agencies
  • Increases criminal penalties for the manufacture, sale, or distribution of Schedule I and II controlled substances, with harsher sentences for large-scale operations
  • Mandates minimum sentences for individuals convicted of illegally trafficking firearms, with enhanced penalties for repeat offenders or those involved in gang-related activities
  • Authorizes the use of wiretaps and other electronic surveillance techniques to aid in the investigation of suspected drug and gun trafficking rings
  • Creates a new grant program to provide funding for community-based prevention and intervention programs targeting at-risk youth

Affected Parties and Impacts

The primary targets of this legislation are criminal organizations and individuals engaged in the illegal drug trade and firearms trafficking within the state. Law enforcement agencies at all levels would receive additional resources and legal tools to disrupt these illicit supply chains.

The bill's provisions are also expected to have downstream impacts on public health and safety, as reducing the availability of dangerous drugs and illegal guns could lead to decreases in overdose deaths, violent crime, and other related social harms. However, civil liberties advocates have raised concerns about the potential for overreach or abuse of the expanded surveillance and sentencing authorities.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

SD 647 was introduced in the state legislature on November 29, 2025 and has been referred to the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security for initial review and public hearings. If reported favorably, the bill would then proceed to consideration by the full state Senate and House of Representatives.

Given the bipartisan support for addressing the state's drug and gun trafficking problems, the legislation is expected to advance through the legislative process relatively quickly. However, the civil liberties concerns may prompt more extensive debate and potential amendments before a final vote. If passed, the new law would take effect 90 days after the governor's signature.

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

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