summary
Introduced
01/25/2023
01/25/2023
In Committee
01/25/2023
01/25/2023
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
05/09/2024
05/09/2024
Introduced Session
125th General Assembly
Bill Summary
A bill TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 44-53-370, RELATING TO CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE OFFENSES AND PENALTIES, SO AS TO DECRIMINALIZE POSSESSION OF TWENTY-EIGHT GRAMS OR ONE OUNCE OR LESS OF MARIJUANA OR TEN GRAMS OR LESS OF HASHISH, AND TO AUTHORIZE LAW ENFORCEMENT TO ISSUE A CIVIL CITATION FOR POSSESSION OF THAT SAME QUANTITY OF MARIJUANA OR HASHISH. Whereas, in 2007, marijuana possession arrests accounted for ninety-one percent of all marijuana-related arrests in South Carolina; and Whereas, South Carolina is ranked fifth in the nation for violent crimes and these marijuana possession arrests are made at the expense of preventing and solving violent crimes; and Whereas, South Carolina must reform its criminal penalties for marijuana possession to free up the necessary time and money to go after violent criminals who cause true havoc and loss of life in our communities. Now, therefore,
AI Summary
This bill proposes to decriminalize the possession of 28 grams or one ounce or less of marijuana or 10 grams or less of hashish in South Carolina. It would authorize law enforcement to issue a civil citation for such possession, instead of criminal charges. The bill aims to free up resources for law enforcement to focus on violent crimes, as marijuana possession arrests have accounted for a significant portion of all marijuana-related arrests in the state. The bill also specifies fines for first-time and subsequent offenses, and states that individuals issued a citation must not be taken into custody or arrested for the violation.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Scrivener's error corrected (on 02/08/2023)
Bill Topics
Law, Crime, and Family Issues
- ‐ Criminal and Juvenile Delinquent Prosecution, Procedure, and Sentencing
- ‐ Illegal Drugs and Narcotics Control
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location | Created |
|---|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3803&session=125&summary=B | 01/25/2023 |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov//sess125_2023-2024/prever/3803_20230208.htm | 02/08/2023 |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess125_2023-2024/prever/3803_20230125.htm | 01/25/2023 |
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