This bill amends Louisiana's existing laws regarding penalties for transactions involving drug-related objects, specifically focusing on marijuana drug paraphernalia. It modifies the penalties for first, second, and third violations of the law, clarifying that the first violation will result in a fine of up to $300 or imprisonment for up to 15 days, while subsequent violations carry increased penalties. Notably, the bill introduces a new subsection (E) that establishes specific penalties for possessing drug paraphernalia intended for marijuana use, which are significantly lower than the penalties for other drug-related offenses.

Under the new provisions, the penalty for a first conviction of possessing marijuana paraphernalia will be a fine of $100, with subsequent convictions resulting in fines of $500 for a second offense and $2,500 for a third or subsequent offense. This change reflects a shift towards reducing penalties associated with marijuana-related paraphernalia, aligning with broader trends in drug policy reform. The bill aims to provide a more lenient approach to individuals using paraphernalia for personal marijuana consumption, while still maintaining penalties for repeated offenses.

Statutes affected:
HB165 Original: 40:1025(A)(1)
HB165 Engrossed: 40:1025(A)(1)
HB165 Enrolled: 40:1025(A)(1)
HB165 Act 682: 40:1025(A)(1)