Signed by Governor Peter Shumlin

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that reduces penalties for individuals that knowingly possess or cultivate less than 1 ounce of marijuana, effective July 1, 2013.

Highlights:

• Classifies the possession of less than 1 ounce of marijuana by an individual who is at least 21 years of age as a civil violation resulting in a fine of no more than $300 (Sec. 2).

• Prohibits the creation of a criminal history record of any kind for an individual who violates the provisions of this bill (Sec. 2).

• Establishes the following penalties for an individual who is at least 21 years of age that knowingly possesses or cultivates between 1 and 2 ounces of marijuana (Sec. 1):
• For the first offense, no more than 6 months imprisonment; a fine no more than $500, or both; and
• For a second offense, no more than 2 years imprisonment, a fine no more than $2,000, or both. 

• Classifies the possession of marijuana by an individual under the age of 21 as a civil violation resulting in required enrollment in a Youth Substance Abuse Safety program (Sec. 3).

• Specifies that an individual under the age of 21 who fails to complete the Youth Substance Abuse Safety program successfully will be subject to the following penalties (Sec. 3):
• A suspension of the individual’s operator’s license and privilege to operate a motor vehicle for 90 days;
• A civil penalty of $300 for the first and second offense; and
• A civil penalty of $1,000 for the third and subsequent offense.

• Prohibits an individual from smoking marijuana while operating a motor vehicle (Sec. 4).

• Establishes a task force for the purpose of developing and submitting recommendations to the General Assembly to address drugged driving in Vermont (Sec. 7).

Full Bill Text