Bill > SB285

This bill revises the laws concerning unlawful possession of marijuana in Alabama, changing the severity of the crime and its penalties based on the amount possessed. Specifically, possessing one or more ounces of marijuana now constitutes unlawful possession of marijuana in the first degree, with penalties that escalate based on prior convictions within a five-year period, ranging from a Class C misdemeanor for a first offense to a Class D felony for a third or subsequent offense. Possessing less than one ounce of marijuana is reclassified as unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree, now considered a violation punishable by a fine up to $200. Importantly, for both degrees of possession, the bill introduces provisions allowing individuals to petition for the expungement of records related to charges, findings, or convictions if they have not committed other offenses in the preceding five years, and all collected fines will be deposited into the State General Fund. This act is set to become effective on October 1, 2026.

Justice

https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/bill-search