HB 443 - Drug Laws Comprehensive Revision

• Replaces the current drug trafficking system based solely on weight with a structured felony offense system (§4752-4756) that considers aggravating factors such as offenses in school zones, parks, involvement of juveniles, and use of vehicles.

• Establishes five quantity tiers for controlled substances (Tier 1-5) with specific weight/dose thresholds for different drugs (cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana, LSD, designer drugs, MDMA, and prescription drugs) to determine offense classification.

• Reclassifies simple drug possession as a misdemeanor (Class A or B) rather than a felony, with enhanced penalties only when aggravating factors are present.

• Creates new offenses for illegal possession and delivery of prescription drugs (§4761) and maintains a first offender diversion program (§4767) for eligible defendants charged with simple possession.

• Establishes sentencing enhancements when defendants have prior drug convictions within specified timeframes, automatically increasing sentences to match higher offense tiers.