SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR

SENATE, No. 1252

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: JUNE 22, 2000

The Senate Judiciary Committee reports favorably a Senate committee substitute for Senate Bill No. 1252.

SCS for S1252 would increase the penalties for the distribution, manufacture or possession with the intent to distribute 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or "Ecstasy") and 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA). Specifically, the committee substitute would make the illegal manufacture, distribution, dispensing or possession with intent to distribute a first degree crime if the quantity involved is five ounces or more. The term of imprisonment must include the imposition of a minimum term of one-third to one-half of the sentence imposed, during which the defendant would be ineligible for parole. If the quantity involved in the offense is one-half ounce or more but less than five ounces, it would be a crime of the second degree. If the quantity involved is less than one-half ounce, it would be a third degree crime.

This substitute is identical to Assembly Committee Substitute for Assembly Bill Nos. 2629 and 2589.