Bill > S0542

This bill significantly reduces penalties for non-violent drug offenses across multiple sections of Rhode Island's Controlled Substances Act. The legislation primarily lowers maximum imprisonment terms and fines for various drug-related offenses, with most maximum sentences reduced from decades or life imprisonment to a maximum of 10 years. Specifically, the bill reduces penalties for manufacturing, delivering, possessing, and distributing controlled substances across different drug schedules, with particular emphasis on decreasing punishments for marijuana-related offenses. Key changes include reducing maximum sentences for first-time offenses from 30 years to 5 years, lowering fines from hundreds of thousands of dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, and changing some felony offenses to misdemeanors. The bill also repeals several existing sections of law related to drug offenses near schools and specific distribution scenarios. Additionally, the legislation modifies civil penalties for marijuana possession, lowering fines for minor offenses and reducing potential license suspension periods. The bill aims to create a more proportionate approach to drug offenses, focusing on reducing incarceration for non-violent drug-related crimes while maintaining legal consequences for drug-related activities.

Justice

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