HB 2303 Summary

• Amends sentencing laws for drug offenses and repetitive offenders by adjusting threshold amounts for controlled substances (e.g., heroin threshold increased from 1 gram to 10 grams, methamphetamine from 9 grams to 28 grams, marijuana from 2 pounds to 5 pounds).

• Modifies drug possession and sale penalties by reducing felony classifications for certain amounts below threshold (e.g., simple possession under 5 pounds of marijuana becomes class 1 misdemeanor instead of class 6 felony).

• Requires courts to consider specific factors when sentencing drug offenses, including defendant's role, profit motive, need for treatment, and extent of law enforcement involvement in the offense.

• Adds new mitigating circumstance (subsection E(6) in section 13-701) allowing courts to consider mental illness, substance abuse patterns, military service trauma, or domestic violence victimization when determining sentences.

• Repeals section 13-3419 and adjusts sentencing enhancements in school safety zones and drug-free school zones to allow courts discretion in applying additional penalties based on specific circumstances.