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Avenues Recovery Center is a drug and alcohol rehab in New Hampshire with fifteen locations across seven states. Our state blog offers the latest on all addiction-related news in New Hampshire, keeping you updated on the rise and fall of current events in your area.
New Hampshire’s newly inaugurated Governor, Kelly Ayotte, who campaigned on tackling the state’s fentanyl and opioid crisis, may see her goals materialize in the form of proposed legislation. Two bills, sponsored by Republican Senator Bill Gannon, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, are set to be discussed in the Senate and could introduce mandatory minimum sentences for fentanyl-related crimes, along with stricter penalties for reckless driving.
Senate Bill 14 is particularly significant as it sets mandatory minimum sentences for individuals caught in possession of fentanyl. Under this bill, anyone convicted of possessing more than five grams of fentanyl would face a mandatory minimum sentence of three-and-a-half years. For possession of more than 28 grams, the sentence would increase to seven years. The Eagle Times reported that these measures are intended to send a strong message about the state’s commitment to fighting the fentanyl epidemic, which has been a devastating issue across New Hampshire and much of the country.
Another notable piece of proposed legislation, Senate Bill 15, seeks to impose a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison for those convicted of manufacturing, dispensing, or selling fentanyl that leads to someone's death. Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais has strongly supported this bill, calling fentanyl a "scourge" in his city. While opioid overdoses and deaths have decreased, he emphasized that more needs to be done to combat the problem. Ruais argued that the bill would send a clear signal that those caught trafficking fentanyl would face severe consequences.
However, the proposed legislation has sparked a debate. While some, like Mayor Ruais, believe the bills are an important step toward reducing the fentanyl crisis, addiction recovery specialists and advocates have raised concerns. They argue that focusing too heavily on punitive measures may not be the most effective strategy. Instead, they advocate for increased prevention efforts and expanded access to treatment, which they believe would have a more lasting impact on the state's opioid epidemic.
The upcoming Senate debate promises to be a critical moment in New Hampshire’s ongoing efforts to address public safety and public health issues. With strong opinions on both sides, the outcome of these bills could set the stage for how the state handles the fentanyl crisis in the years to come. Whether these proposed laws will provide the solutions needed or if more emphasis will be placed on treatment and prevention remains to be seen.
If you or your loved one are struggling with fentanyl abuse, reach out to us at Avenues Recovery before it’s too late. Fentanyl is deadly and has been the cause in far too many deaths. At Avenues, our highly experienced staff combine personalized treatment plans with a wide variety of therapies to deliver a recovery experience with a tremendously high success rate. Contact us today to join our supportive recovery community, and to begin your journey to the sober future of your dreams.