SB 58-FN (2025): relative to venue in criminal prosecutions of distribution of a controlled drug with death resulting.

SB 58-FN (2025)

relative to venue in criminal prosecutions of distribution of a controlled drug with death resulting.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Criminal Justice and Public Safety
• Senate committee: Judiciary
• Subject: Crimes, Criminal Procedure and Corrections
• Chapter law: 149

The Story

It was introduced on January 9, 2025 and referred to the Senate Judiciary committee. The committee held a public hearing on February 4, 2025. The committee voted unanimously, 5–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2025-0377s), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2025-0377s) was adopted on a voice vote on March 6, 2025, changing the text of the bill. On March 6, 2025 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. It crossed to the House on March 27, 2025 and was referred to the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety committee. The committee held a public hearing on April 23, 2025, with 7 people signed in online: 7 in support. The committee met in executive session on April 23, 2025 to vote on its recommendation. The majority recommended that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2025-1722h), and the minority recommended that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2025-1721h), by a vote of 10–6. The report was placed on the regular calendar. The committee's amendment (2025-1722h) was adopted on a voice vote on May 8, 2025, changing the text of the bill. The committee minority's amendment (2025-1721h) was rejected on a division vote 164–198 on May 8, 2025. On May 8, 2025 the House voted to pass it with changes on a division vote 212–150. On May 15, 2025 the Senate voted to agree to the other chamber's changes on a voice vote, on a motion by Sen. Bill Gannon. The bill was enrolled on June 12, 2025 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor signed it on July 1, 2025, making it Chapter 149 of the session laws. It took effect on July 1, 2025.

Sponsors

• Sen. Howard Pearl (R - SD17) (prime sponsor)
• Sen. David Rochefort (R - SD1)
• Rep. Brian Seaworth (R - Merr 12)
• Sen. Timothy Lang (R - SD2)
• Sen. David Watters (D - SD4)
• Rep. Clayton Wood (R - Merr 13)
• Sen. Tara Reardon (D - SD15)
• Sen. Keith Murphy (R - SD16)
• Rep. Cyril Aures (R - Merr 13)
• Sen. Daniel Innis (R - SD7)
• Rep. Michael Moffett (R - Merr 4)

Hearings and Sessions

• February 4, 2025, 1:00 PM: hearing, Senate Judiciary, SH 100
• March 6, 2025: floor debate, Senate
• April 23, 2025, 10:00 AM: executive session, House Criminal Justice and Public Safety, LOB 202-204
• April 23, 2025, 10:30 AM: public hearing, House Criminal Justice and Public Safety, LOB 202-204
• May 8, 2025: floor debate, House
• May 15, 2025: floor debate, Senate

Votes

• March 6, 2025, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2025-0377s — voice vote, passed
• May 8, 2025, House: Adopt Amendment — yeas 164, nays 198, failed
• May 8, 2025, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2025-1722h — yeas 212, nays 150, passed
• May 15, 2025, Senate: Concur with the House Amendment — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 318-B:26

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• SC 8
• SC 11
• HC 23, page 11