Signed by Governor Lincoln Chafee

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that decreases criminal penalties for possession of 1 ounce or less of marijuana.

Highlights:

• Classifies the possession of 1 ounce or less of marijuana as a civil offense, whereas current law classifies it as a criminal offense (Sec. 1).  

• Requires that the possession of 1 once or less of marijuana result in the following civil penalties (Sec. 1):
• $150 fine for an individual who is 18 years of age or older; or
• $150 fine, completion of an approved drug awareness program and community service for an individual under the age of 18.  

• Specifies that an individual can face arrest if the individual fails to provide identification to a police office after having been cited for possession of 1 once or less of marijuana (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that an individual issued a third citation for possession of 1 ounce or less of marijuana after 2 citations in the previous 18 months is subject to the following (Sec. 1):
• Arrest for no more than 30 days; or
• A fine no less than $200 and no more than $500.

• Requires that any records about violations collected by a state agency containing identifiable information are to be destroyed 18 months after the issuance of the civil fine (Sec. 1).  

• Classifies the possession of more than 1 ounce of marijuana as a misdemeanor subject to the following (Sec. 1): 
• No more than 1 year in prison;
• A fine no less than $200 and no more than $500; or 
• Both.

• Requires 50 percent of the fines collected for possession of marijuana to be spent on drug awareness and treatment programs for youth (Sec. 1).  

Full Bill Text