Marijuana; decriminalization of simple marijuana possession. (HB997)

Introduced By

Del. Mark Levine (D-Alexandria)

Progress

Introduced
Passed Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate
Signed by Governor
Became Law

Description

Marijuana; decriminalization of simple marijuana possession. Decriminalizes marijuana possession and provides a civil penalty of no more than $100 for a first violation, $250 for a second violation, and $500 for a third or subsequent violation. Under current law there is a maximum fine of $500 and a maximum 30-day jail sentence for a first offense and subsequent offenses are a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill reduces the criminal penalties for distribution and possession with intent to distribute, etc., of marijuana. The bill creates a rebuttable presumption that a person who possesses no more than one ounce of marijuana possesses it for personal use and provides that the suspended sentence/substance abuse screening provisions apply only to criminal violations or to civil violations by a minor. The bill also limits forfeiture of property from sale or distribution of marijuana to quantities of more than one pound; currently there is no minimum amount. Read the Bill »

Outcome

Bill Has Failed

History

DateAction
01/13/2016Committee
01/13/2016Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/13/16 16101890D
01/13/2016Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
01/19/2016Assigned to sub: Criminal Law
01/19/2016Assigned App. sub: Criminal Law
01/19/2016Assigned Courts sub: Criminal Law
01/25/2016Subcommittee recommends laying on the table
02/16/2016Left in Courts of Justice