Bill > H4287

This bill creates a new law, Section 24Y, within Chapter 90 of the General Laws, which deals with motor vehicles, to establish an open container law for marijuana. It defines "marijuana" to include both recreational and medical marijuana, and "prepared paraphernalia" as smoking devices containing burnt or partially-burnt marijuana ready for immediate consumption. The bill also defines "passenger area" as the space accessible to the driver and passengers, excluding the trunk or a locked glove compartment. The key provision is that possessing prepared paraphernalia in the passenger area of a motor vehicle on public roads or accessible areas will result in a fine of $100 to $500. Exceptions are made for passengers in vehicles designed for public transportation where the driver is separated, and for the living quarters of house coaches or trailers, though drivers of any vehicle are explicitly prohibited from possessing prepared paraphernalia.