BillTrack50 logo
Free Signup Login
Bill

Bill > SB815

VA SB815

VA SB815
Marijuana; decriminalization of simple possession, penalty.

summary

Introduced
01/08/2020
In Committee
01/08/2020
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
03/12/2020

Introduced Session

2020 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Marijuana; decriminalization of simple marijuana possession; penalty. Decriminalizes simple marijuana possession and provides a civil penalty of no more than $50 for a first violation, $100 for a second violation, and $250 for a third or subsequent violation. Current law imposes 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 provides that the suspended sentence/substance abuse screening provisions apply only to criminal violations or civil violations by a juvenile, and the driver's license suspension provisions apply only to criminal violations. A civil violation will be treated as a conviction for prohibitions on the purchase or transport of a handgun and disqualification for a concealed handgun permit.

AI Summary

This bill decriminalizes simple possession of marijuana and replaces criminal penalties with civil penalties. Specifically, it changes the penalty for simple possession from a misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine to a civil penalty of no more than $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense, and $250 for a third or subsequent offense. The bill also removes the driver's license suspension and concealed carry permit disqualification provisions that previously applied to simple possession convictions. Additionally, the bill provides that a civil violation for possession will be treated as a conviction for certain prohibitions, such as the purchase or transport of a handgun.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Incorporated by Judiciary (on 01/29/2020)
(1 Companion Bills)

bill text

bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...
Loading...