Signed by Governor Dan Malloy

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that decreases penalties for possession of certain non-violent drugs, July 1, 2011.

Highlights:

• Classifies the possession of less than 0.5 ounces of a cannabis-type substance as an infraction for the first offense and for subsequent offenses the fine is between $200 and $500 (Sec 1).

• Establishes penalties for any individual who possesses between 0.5 and 4 ounces of cannabis-type substance as follows (Sec 2):
• A fine of no more than $1,000 or no more than 1 year in jail or both for the first offense; and
• A fine of no more than $3,000 or no more than 5 years in prison or both for subsequent offenses.

• Authorizes the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to suspend for 150 days the driver's license of individuals under the age of 21 who are ticketed for possession of less than 0.5 ounces of a cannabis-type substance (Sec 4).

• Lieutenant Governor Dan Malloy cast the tie breaking vote for this bill to pass.

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that decreases penalties for possession of certain non-violent drugs, July 1, 2011.

Highlights:

• Classifies the possession of less than 0.5 ounces of a cannabis-type substance as an infraction for the first offense and for subsequent offenses the fine is between $200 and $500 (Sec 1).

• Establishes penalties for any individual who possesses between 0.5 and 4 ounces of cannabis-type substance as follows (Sec 2):
• A fine of no more than $1,000 or no more than 1 year in jail or both for the first offense; and
• A fine of no more than $3,000 or no more than 5 years in prison or both for subsequent offenses.

• Authorizes the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to suspend for 150 days the driver's license of individuals under the age of 21 who are ticketed for possession of less than 0.5 ounces of a cannabis-type substance (Sec 4).

• Lieutenant Governor Dan Malloy cast the tie breaking vote for this bill to pass.

Full Bill Text