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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session
fentanyl sales; manufacture; sentencing; testing
Purpose
Establishes specific sentencing ranges for persons convicted of possession of a narcotic drug for sale, the possession of equipment or chemicals for the purpose of manufacturing a narcotic drug, manufacture of a narcotic drug or the transportation for sale of a narcotic drug if the offense involves a single unit dose of fentanyl having a weight of at least two milligrams.
Background
A person is
guilty of a class 2 felony if they knowingly possess a narcotic drug for sale,
knowingly manufacture a narcotic drug, or knowingly transport a narcotic drug
for sale. A person is guilty of a class 3 felony if they knowingly possess
equipment or chemicals, or both, for the purpose if manufacturing a narcotic
drug. A class 2 felony for a non-dangerous offense carries a minimum sentence
of 4 years, presumptive sentence of 5 years and a maximum sentence of
10 years. A class 2 felony for a non-dangerous, repetitive offense carries a
minimum sentence of 6 years, presumptive sentence of 9.25 years and a maximum
sentence of 18.5 years (A.R.S.
§§ 13-702;
13-703
and 13-3408).
The Joint Legislative Budget Committee estimates that H.B. 2802 would increase costs for the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) by extending the time individuals convicted of crimes serve in state prison, thereby increasing the total prison population. In the short term, ADCRR would have additional marginal costs, such as food and laundry, of $2.3 million beginning in FY 2026 and increasing to $6.9 million in FY 2033 and every year thereafter. Additionally, ADCRR estimates that when fully phased-in in FY 2033, the bill would increase the ADCRR population by a total of 3,200 inmates, which may require additional staffing. The Arizona Administrative Office of the Courts believes the bill would likely create more trials and increase court costs and potentially require additional prosecutors and judges but did not estimate a specific impact (JLBC fiscal note).
Provisions
1. Establishes a specific sentencing range for a person convicted of a first offense for the possession of a narcotic drug for sale, the possession of equipment or chemicals for the purpose of manufacturing a narcotic drug, manufacture of a narcotic drug or the transportation for sale of a narcotic drug if the offense involves a single unit dose of fentanyl having a weight of at least two milligrams as follows:
a) minimum, five calendar years;
b) presumptive, 10 calendar years; and
c) maximum, 15 calendar years.
2. Establishes a specific sentencing range for a person convicted of a repetitive offense for the possession of a narcotic drug for sale, the possession of equipment or chemicals for the purpose of manufacturing a narcotic drug, manufacture of a narcotic drug or the transportation for sale of a narcotic drug if the offense involves a single unit dose of fentanyl having a weight of at least two milligrams as follows:
a) minimum, 10 calendar years;
b) presumptive, 15 calendar years; and
c) maximum, 20 calendar years.
3. Specifies that a person is not eligible for suspension of sentence, probation, pardon or release from confinement if the person is convicted of the possession of a narcotic drug for sale, the possession of equipment or chemicals for the purpose of manufacturing a narcotic drug, manufacture of a narcotic drug or the transportation for sale of a narcotic drug and the drug involved is a single unit dose of at least two milligrams of fentanyl.
4. Requires a law enforcement agency that confiscates fentanyl during an investigation of a narcotics offense violation involving fentanyl as prescribed to submit a sample of the fentanyl to an accredited crime laboratory for testing to determine the appropriate criminal violation.
5. Makes technical and conforming changes
6. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
JUD 2/15/23 DP 5-3-0-0
3rd Read 3/1/23 31-28-1
Prepared by Senate Research
March 21, 2023
ZD/KS/sr