The Idaho House of Representatives recently passed House Bill 406, which aims to establish mandatory minimum sentences for fentanyl trafficking. This bill, introduced by Representatives Ted Hill and Chris Allgood, specifically targets the trafficking of fentanyl by setting strict penalties based on the amount of the substance involved.
Under HB 406, individuals arrested with at least 4 grams but less than 14 grams of fentanyl, or those possessing between 100 and 250 fentanyl pills, would face a felony charge with a mandatory minimum sentence of three years in prison and a fine of $10,000. The bill escalates penalties for larger amounts: possessing 14 to less than 28 grams of fentanyl or 250 to less than 500 pills would result in a minimum sentence of five years and a $15,000 fine. For amounts exceeding 28 grams or 500 pills, the mandatory minimum is set at 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. Repeat offenses would see doubled minimum sentences.
The bill also includes a provision for “drug-induced homicide,” applicable if someone dies from a controlled substance they received in violation of the drug trafficking statute.