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 or vehicles 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, streamlining the consequences for underage individuals caught violating this law. The bill also clarifies that law enforcement will not issue warnings or referrals to community services, removing various procedural protections for underage individuals.

Additionally, the bill 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. Key provisions include the mandatory suspension of driving privileges if the offense occurs in a motor vehicle, with the court required to report this suspension to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. The bill also allows for the collection of a valid driver's license at sentencing and mandates participation in alcohol or drug abuse education or treatment programs for those convicted. This legislation aims to enhance enforcement and deter underage substance use by reinstating the threat of criminal prosecution and associated penalties.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:33-15