SENATE LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 60

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: JANUARY 22, 1996

      The Senate Law and Public Safety Committee favorably reports Senate Bill No. 60.

      This bill classifies the distributing, dispensing or possessing of controlled dangerous substances or controlled substance analogs in or within 500 feet of a public housing facility, a public park or a public building as a crime of the second degree and provides that if the violation in the same location involves less than one ounce of marijuana, the offense is classified as a crime of the third degree.

      The bill further provides that it is no defense to a charge of trafficking within this designated zone if the person was unaware that the prohibited conduct took place in or within 500 feet of a public housing facility, a public park or a public building. In addition, the bill provides that a prosecution for trafficking near a public housing facility, public park or public building does not preclude a person from being prosecuted for any other drug-related criminal offense

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 1996-1997 legislative session. As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review which has been performed.