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NH registry for drug dealers?

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Three state Representatives – Rep. James Belanger, Rep. Jack Flanagan, and Rep. Eric Eastman – have requested 2016 bills to create a drug dealer registry, similar to the sex offender registry. 

“Just like we have sex offenders, now we have drug dealers that are selling heroin, and I think they are equally as bad to the public,” said Rep. Flanagan.

The texts of the bills are not yet public, and Rep. Belanger and Rep. Flanagan told the Concord Monitor they are still working out the details.  A registry might exclude first-time offenders, might only include heroin dealers, and might impact eligibility for public assistance.  The registries would most likely be searchable by the public.

New Hampshire is not the first state to consider a drug dealer registry.  Back in 2005 Tennessee launched a registry for methamphetamine users.  Since then Maine, Massachusetts, and New York are among the states to consider drug offender registries.

Registries have some strong opponents, however, such as the American Civil Liberties Union.  A registry may also make it more difficult for offenders to reintegrate with society, which in turn increases the risk of reoffending. 

Others have expressed concern that a drug dealer registry could serve as “yellow pages” for drug addicts.

Do you think drug dealers should have to register?  Comment below!

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