Signed by Governor Ralph Northam

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes individuals charged with possession of marijuana to prepay their civil penalty.

Highlights:

• Specifies that it is unlawful for any individual to intentionally possess marijuana unless the substance was obtained from a valid prescription or order of a practitioner while acting in the course of their professional practice (Sec. 1).

• Requires any individual that violates the aforementioned provision to be subject to a civil penalty of up to $25 which can be immediately paid and deposited into the Drug Offender Assessment and Treatment Fund (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits any court costs from being included in the aforementioned civil penalty and specifies that this penalty shall not be included in the individual's criminal history (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that if the penalty is issued while the individual is driving a commercial motor vehicle the violation shall be reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles and included in the individuals driving record (Sec. 1).

• Requires that the procedures for an appeal be the same as an appeal for a misdemeanor offense (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits the aforementioned provisions from applying to members of state, federal, county, city, or town law enforcement agencies, jail officers, or correctional officers (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text