The bill reinstates penalties for underage possession and consumption of alcohol and cannabis, categorizing these offenses as disorderly person offenses. It amends Section 1 of P.L.1979, c.264 (C.2C:33-15) to establish that any person under the legal age who knowingly possesses or consumes alcoholic beverages or cannabis items in specified public areas will be guilty of a disorderly person offense, facing a minimum fine of $500. The previous tiered warning system for violations has been deleted, simplifying the consequences to a direct financial penalty. Additionally, the bill removes various procedural protections for underage individuals, including the prohibition of arrests for underage violations and the requirement for law enforcement to provide community service referrals.

The bill also reinstates criminal penalties for underage possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages and cannabis, which may include imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to $1,000, or both, along with a minimum fine of $500 and a six-month suspension of driving privileges. New provisions are introduced regarding offenses committed in a motor vehicle, mandating the suspension of driving privileges and requiring courts to report these suspensions to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. Furthermore, individuals convicted may be required to participate in alcohol or drug abuse education or treatment programs. The intent of these measures is to enhance enforcement and deter underage consumption, particularly in areas with high incidents of such offenses.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:33-15