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 system of warnings and notifications for first, second, and third violations has been deleted, simplifying the consequences to a direct penalty. The bill also clarifies that law enforcement procedures will not involve arrest or detention, except for issuing warnings or collecting information for parental notification, and ensures that records of violations will be kept confidential.

Furthermore, the bill reinstates 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, particularly in beach communities. New provisions regarding offenses committed in a motor vehicle include mandatory suspension of driving privileges and court reporting requirements to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. Additionally, individuals convicted may be required to participate in alcohol or drug abuse education or treatment programs, emphasizing the need for criminal prosecution as a deterrent to underage substance use and enhancing public safety.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:33-15