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 face a minimum fine of $500. The previous tiered warning system for violations has been deleted, simplifying the consequences to a direct financial penalty without prior warnings or notifications to guardians. The bill also clarifies that law enforcement procedures will not involve arrest or detention for underage individuals, except for issuing a written warning or if they are involved in another legal violation.

Furthermore, the bill introduces criminal penalties for underage possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages, cannabis, marijuana, and hashish, 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. It aims to address the ineffectiveness of the previous non-punitive warning system, which has not successfully curbed underage substance use. The bill also mandates the suspension of driving privileges for offenses committed in a motor vehicle, requiring courts to inform individuals of the consequences of operating a vehicle during the suspension period and may mandate participation in alcohol or drug abuse education or treatment programs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:33-15