Bill > H508

This bill proposes to amend existing Massachusetts law, specifically Section 24I of Chapter 90 of the General Laws, to criminalize operating a motor vehicle while in possession of marijuana. Under the proposed changes, if a person is operating a vehicle and law enforcement has probable cause, meaning they have a reasonable belief based on facts, to believe the person possesses any amount of marijuana, they will face penalties. These penalties include those outlined in Section 34 of Chapter 94C, which typically involve fines, and a mandatory one-year loss of their driver's license. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that "possession" extends to any marijuana found within the driver's immediate reach, even if it belongs to a passenger, provided there is probable cause for the discovery. Such instances would carry the same penalties as described for the operator's direct possession.