Connecticut House Bill HB05998

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/17
• Refer: 1/19/17

Caption

An Act Concerning Penalties For Dealing Prescription Drugs.

Impact

The proposed amendments would lead to a significant revision of existing laws governing the distribution of prescription drugs. The changes in penalties would likely result in harsher consequences for offenders, which proponents argue is necessary to disrupt the illegal drug trade. Supporters believe that by increasing penalties, it will send a clear message that the state is serious about stemming the tide of prescription drug abuse and increasing overall public safety. This could also involve enhanced law enforcement resources dedicated to monitoring and prosecuting such offenses.

Summary

House Bill 05998 seeks to address the issue of illegal distribution of prescription drugs by amending Title 21a of the general statutes. The core objective of the bill is to increase the penalties for individuals convicted of unlawfully dealing prescription drugs. By imposing stricter penalties, the bill aims to deter individuals from engaging in drug trafficking activities that can significantly impact public health and safety. This legislative move reflects growing concerns over prescription drug abuse and aims to bolster the state’s response to combat this issue effectively.

Contention

While proponents of HB 05998 may argue that increased penalties will serve as a deterrent and help protect the community from the dangers of prescription drug abuse, there may be concerns raised about potential implications for offenders. Critics might argue that harsher penalties could lead to overcrowding in prisons and a one-size-fits-all approach that fails to consider the nuanced circumstances surrounding each case. Additionally, there may be discussions about whether increased penalties truly address the root causes of drug abuse or if they merely provide a punitive response without offering avenues for rehabilitation.