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Read. Follow. Verify.New Jersey Bill A700 increases criminal penalties and mandatory minimum sentences for unlawful fentanyl manufacturing and distribution
Last action · January 13, 2026: Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary CommitteeSponsors: McGuckin, Gregory P. and 3 others
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What This Bill Would Do
Assembly Bill 700 increases criminal penalties and establishes mandatory minimum prison terms for the unlawful manufacturing, distribution, or dispensing of fentanyl in quantities of five ounces or more. The measure aligns fentanyl sentencing guidelines with existing penalties for heroin and cocaine offenses.
Increases the severity of criminal charges, prison terms, mandatory parole-ineligibility periods, and financial fines for individuals convicted of distributing or manufacturing specific quantities of fentanyl.
- Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid analgesic that is significantly more potent than heroin and has been a major driver of overdose deaths. context
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Individuals convicted of unlawful fentanyl distribution
Individuals convicted of manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing fentanyl face increased criminal classifications, mandatory minimum prison terms, and higher maximum fines.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new criminal penalties for distributing five ounces or more of fentanyl?
How does this bill change existing penalties for fentanyl offenses?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
1 action- Jan 13, 2026HouseIntroducedIntroduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
njleg.state.nj.us
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance75How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy60Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz40Current news / social attention level
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