summary
Introduced
01/08/2019
01/08/2019
In Committee
01/08/2019
01/08/2019
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
09/24/2020
09/24/2020
Introduced Session
123rd General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amend Sections 44-53-370, 44-53-375, And 44-53-450, Code Of Laws Of South Carolina, 1976, All 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 Authorize Law Enforcement To Issue A Civil Citation For Possession Of That Same Quantity Of Marijuana Or Hashish; To Decrease Penalties For First Offense Possession Of Less Than One Gram Of Methamphetamine Or Cocaine Base And Require Completion Of A Drug Treatment Or Rehabilitation Program As Part Of The Sentence; And To Require The Court To Place Persons On Probation Who Are Guilty Of A First Offense Possession Of Certain Controlled Substances.
AI Summary
This bill amends South Carolina's laws regarding controlled substance offenses and penalties. It decriminalizes the possession of 28 grams or less of marijuana or 10 grams or less of hashish, allowing law enforcement to issue a civil citation instead of making an arrest. The bill also decreases the penalties for first-offense possession of less than 1 gram of methamphetamine or cocaine base, and requires the court to place those offenders on probation and complete a drug treatment program. Additionally, the bill allows for the conditional discharge and dismissal of charges for first-time offenders of certain controlled substance possession crimes, provided they complete a rehabilitation program. The goal of the bill is to reform South Carolina's criminal justice approach to drug possession, freeing up resources to focus on more serious crimes.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Committee on Judiciary (on 01/08/2019)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3276&session=123&summary=B |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess123_2019-2020/prever/3276_20181218.htm |
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