Bill > HB708

This bill repeals and replaces Section 579.015 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, which relates to the offense of possession of a controlled substance. The key provisions are: 1. It maintains the offense of possession of a controlled substance, except that it adds an exception for substances found within a used needle that test positive for a controlled substance. 2. It classifies the offense of possession of any controlled substance (except 35 grams or less of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids) as a Class D felony. 3. It classifies the offense of possession of more than 10 grams but 35 grams or less of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids as a Class A misdemeanor. 4. It classifies the offense of possession of not more than 10 grams of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids as a Class D misdemeanor, unless the defendant has a prior conviction related to controlled substances, in which case it is a Class A misdemeanor. 5. It specifies that the burden of proving any exception, excuse, proviso or exemption to the controlled substances laws is on the defendant.