summary
Introduced
01/25/2023
01/25/2023
In Committee
01/25/2023
01/25/2023
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
04/10/2023
04/10/2023
Introduced Session
2023 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT concerning Criminal Law - Cannabis-Related Offenses - Civil Penalties FOR the purpose of substituting civil penalties in place of criminal penalties for certain offenses relating to possessing, possessing with the intent to distribute, and cultivating cannabis and manufacturing cannabis products; and generally relating to cannabis-related offenses. BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, Article - Criminal Law Section 5-101(a) and (u) and 5-601(a) Annotated Code of Maryland (2021 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement) (As enacted by Chapter 26 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 2022) BY repealing Article - Criminal Law Section 5-101(e-2) Annotated Code of Maryland (2021 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement) (As enacted by Chapter 26 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 2022) BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, Article - Criminal Law Section 5-601(c)(2) and (d), 5-601.2, and 5-602 Annotated Code of Maryland (2021 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement) (As enacted by Chapter 26 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 2022) BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, Article - Criminal Law HOUSE BILL 280 Section 5-601.1 and 5-607 Annotated Code of Maryland (2021 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement) BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, Article - Criminal Law Section 5-603 Annotated Code of Maryland (2021 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement)
AI Summary
This bill substitutes civil penalties in place of criminal penalties for certain offenses related to possessing, possessing with intent to distribute, and cultivating cannabis and manufacturing cannabis products. Specifically, the bill:
- Changes possession of an amount of cannabis exceeding the "personal use amount" (1.5 ounces or less) from a criminal misdemeanor to a civil offense punishable by a fine of up to $250, with an option for up to 75 hours of community service in lieu of the fine.
- Changes cultivation of more than 2 cannabis plants from a criminal misdemeanor to a civil offense punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, with an option for up to 500 hours of community service in lieu of the fine.
- Changes possession of cannabis with intent to distribute from a criminal misdemeanor to a civil offense punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, with an option for up to 500 hours of community service in lieu of the fine.
- Provides that civil cannabis violations are not considered criminal convictions and do not impose civil disabilities.
The bill is contingent on the taking effect of related legislation passed in 2022.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (8)
Debra Davis (D)*,
Charlotte Crutchfield (D),
Linda Foley (D),
Lesley Lopez (D),
Edith Patterson (D),
Sheila Ruth (D),
Karen Simpson (D),
Karen Toles (D),
Last Action
House Judiciary Hearing (13:00:00 2/7/2023 ) (on 02/07/2023)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0280?ys=2023RS |
| Racial Equity Impact | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/Pubs/BudgetFiscal/2023RS-HB0280-REIN.pdf |
| BillText | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2023RS/bills/hb/hb0280f.pdf |
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