House Bill 581 - Summary

• Revises mandatory minimum sentences for trafficking in marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine, heroin, and precursor chemicals, with sentences varying by quantity and substance type.

• Allows courts to impose sentences below mandatory minimums only if the court finds that doing so would result in manifest injustice and is not necessary for public protection.

• Second conviction for any trafficking offense results in a mandatory minimum sentence that is twice the otherwise required term.

• Uses the weight of controlled substances as represented by the seller if that represented weight is greater than the actual weight of the substance.

• Maintains conspiracy and solicitation provisions, making persons who conspire or solicit others to commit trafficking offenses punishable as if they had actually committed the act.