Vote to pass a bill that decreases criminal penalties for possessing 15 grams or less of marijuana.
Highlights:
Classifies the possession of 15 grams or less of marijuana as a civil offense, whereas current law classifies it as a criminal offense (Sec. 5).
Requires that the possession of 15 grams or less of marijuana result in the following civil penalties (Sec. 5):
$150 fine, for the first violation;
$200 fine, for the second violation; and
$500 fine, for the third and subsequent offenses.
Requires that the possession of drug paraphernalia for use of 15 grams or less of marijuana result in a civil penalty of $100 (Sec. 6).
Establishes the Drug Education Program Fund in the Department of the Treasury (Sec. 7).
Appropriates money from the Drug Education Program Fund to the Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services for drug education programs (Sec. 7).
Requires $50 from each penalty imposed for possession of marijuana or drug paraphernalia to be deposited in the Drug Education Program Fund (Secs. 5 & 6).
Specifies that an individual who commits a third or subsequent offense may be required to participate in a drug education program approved by the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services in the Department of Human Services (Sec. 5).