Criminal Justice (Drug Policy)

SB 467 increases penalties for fentanyl distribution by establishing mandatory minimum prison sentences: 3.5 years for 20 grams or more and 7 years for 50 grams or more (including mixtures). It also mandates a life sentence or long prison term for distributing non-fentanyl controlled drugs that cause death. Courts may reduce these sentences if defendants meet specific conditions, such as having no recent violent felony convictions, not using violence, and completing drug treatment or education. If reduced, defendants must serve at least 3 years of probation with drug testing, treatment, community service, and a suspended prison sentence.

HB 1598 creates a streamlined eviction process for landlords seeking to remove tenants who fail to pay rent or breach leases in ways affecting health/safety, criminal activity, or drug-related offenses. It requires landlords to provide a 5-day notice with a clear warning about the expedited timeline, giving tenants only 3 days to respond after court filing. If tenants don’t pay or vacate, courts must issue a writ of possession immediately without a hearing - unless the tenant pays all overdue rent within 48 hours. This process limits defenses to just rent payment or the alleged breach, blocking unrelated claims, and restricts stays of execution except for immediate payment. The bill applies to all landlords and tenants in qualifying eviction cases, effective January 1, 2027.