Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends existing criminal justice law to reduce the punishment for certain controlled substances and reintegrate offenders back into society.

Highlights:

• Classifies the punishment for possessing more than one-half of an ounce of a cannabis-type substance or other controlled substance as a class A misdemeanor (Sec. 1).
• Authorizes the court to suspend prosecution of a second time offender if, after an evaluation, it is determined that the individual is drug-dependent (Sec. 1).
• Authorizes the court to order a drug-dependent, second time offender to undergo a substance abuse treatment program (Sec. 1).
• Classifies the violation of the provisions of this bill on or within 1,500 feet of an elementary or secondary school, or day care center as a class A misdemeanor (Sec. 1).
• Specifies that an inmate may be allowed to go at large on parole if the individual meets the following criteria (Sec. 11):
• The individual is convicted of a victimless crime;
• The individual is known by the Board of Pardons and Paroles; and
• The individual is not otherwise prohibited from being granted parole for any reason.
• Classifies the persistent offense of an individual who has been convicted of possessing a controlled substance for the third time as a class E felony and authorizes the court to impose a prison sentence (Sec. 19).

Full Bill Text