SB14

I do not support mandatory minimum sentences.

I am an independent voter and I am concerned about how this bill, and SB15, approach crimes involving addiction. Mandatory minimum sentencing will not solve our state's addiction crisis. It will worsen it by removing individuals from their families, jobs and access to treatment. Simply punishing people suffering from addiction is ineffective and inhumane. Especially since your proposed budget includes drastic cuts to our correctional system.

Mandatory minimum sentences are not effective at deterring the crime targeted, and further victimize marginalized people as they are sentenced unfairly to long terms that remove them from their families and communities. We have decades of evidence that mandatory minimum sentences do intense harm and do not solve the problem at hand.

This bill would weaken a judge's ability to take into account a person's circumstances and weaken their chances of being able to get treatment.

I do not agree with minimum sentencing requirements for fentanyl-related offenses. I believe sentencing should be on a case-by-case basis determined by a judge. We do not need a blanket policy that applies to everyone, as every situation is different and unique. Thank you, Siena Calabro, Keene, NH

I believe the penalties for dealing fentanyl are strict enough already.

There have been many studies to show that incarceration does not resolve problems with drugs. We need treatment programs. I would hope we have learned this from the problems including deaths we have seen from opioids in this state. It is much cheaper in the long term to treat drug users than to incarcerate them. It is a far more permanent solution than recidivism

This bill denies the realities of biology to legalize discrimination. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/sex-redefined-the-idea-of-2-sexes-is-overly-simplistic1/

I respectfully urge you to oppose HB 14, which proposes mandatory minimum sentencing for certain fentanyl-related offenses. While fentanyl is undeniably a critical public health concern, mandatory minimum sentences are not the solution. Instead, they risk exacerbating the issues by funneling individuals into an overburdened criminal justice system rather than addressing the root causes of substance misuse. Research shows that every dollar invested in substance use treatment saves $4 in healthcare costs and $7 in law enforcement and other criminal justice expenses. These findings highlight that our focus should be on prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation—solutions that offer long-term benefits to individuals, families, and our communities as a whole. Rather than relying on punitive measures, we must invest in evidence-based programs that treat substance misuse as a public health issue, not a criminal one. By addressing the underlying causes of addiction and offering compassionate, effective support, we can build stronger, more resilient communities for all Granite Staters. Thank you for considering this perspective.

Committee Members, I am writing in opposition to SB14 because of the clear evidence the mandatory minimum sentences don't address the root causes of substance misuse but rather harm families, individuals, and communities. Mandatory minimums: Fail to prevent future substance misuse and related arrests Create barriers to treatment and recovery Burden taxpayers with high incarceration costs Exacerbate cycles of poverty and criminalization There is a better path forward - research shows that every $1 invested in substance use treatment saves $4 in health care costs and $7 in law enforcement and other criminal justice costs. Our policies should continue to focus on addressing the root causes of substance misuse and developing effective, compassionate solutions that build resilient communities through evidence-based treatment, prevention programs, and support for all Granite Staters. Thank you for your consideration

I oppose this bill. I believe that every trial should be based on the merits of the situation and specifics of the cases. Blanket minimum sentences don’t allow that.

SB 14 is a harmful bill that prioritizes punishment above care. Quantitative and qualitative research evidence the ineffectiveness of incarceration, necessitating an alternative approach centered on compassion and harm reduction. Harsher sentencing creates a paradoxical effect, resulting in reduced deterrence, heightened exposure to institutional traumas, and multiplied barriers for individuals criminalized by unjust drug policies. I urge the Committee to challenge the falsity of "tough-on-crime" policies, which are frequently touted as effective. Prioritize care, not harm.

I would rather a policy mandate rehabilitation or medically assisted treatment than a prison sentence. The way I see it, New Hampshire should align with its commitment to support members of the public with substance use disorder by prioritizing treatment over punishment.

I am against this bill as I am a alcohol and drug counselor and do not believe that incarceration helps people that are involved in selling drugs. Most people that sell drugs, do it to support their own addiction. We need more treatment and aftercare to help people. Incarceration only makes people more dependent on drugs as they have nothing to do but sit in jail and talk to others that have the same problem. We need treatment in jails. We have a captive audience and should be giving them treatment and education all the time they are incarcerated.

Mandatory sentencing laws have long since proved themselves more harmful than beneficial. Let's leave sentencing to those who know the facts of the case at the time of sentencing. This is neither an efficient nor an effective way to operate criminal justice. ITL!

There is no evidence that mandatory minimum sentencing reduces addiction or the selling of illegal drugs.

Treatment not criminalization, we must employ a disease model that focuses on recovery. Increase drug court options and help people become meaningful contributors to self and other. Put tax dollars where they belong - community treatment.

Mandatory minimum sentencing prevents people from getting the help they need, they should be getting treatment not being locked up. The only thing locking them up for longer will do is increase their chance of reoffending