The bill seeks to amend the penalties for possession of controlled substances as outlined in the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. It introduces a shift from criminal to civil penalties for possession of controlled substances, with a first offense incurring a $100 fine and subsequent offenses up to $300. The bill removes the previous criminal penalties, which included varying fines and imprisonment based on the substance's schedule and quantity. It also specifies that possession of two ounces or less of marijuana by individuals aged 17 to 20 is a civil offense, subject to a $150 fine and additional requirements such as completing a drug-awareness program and community service.

The bill includes several insertions, such as the doubling of unpaid civil fines after 30 and 90 days, and provisions that prevent arrest for violations of the specified subsections except under certain conditions. It also ensures that violations do not affect parole or probation status and keeps records of violations private. Jurisdiction for these violations is assigned to the Rhode Island traffic tribunal, with half of the collected fines funding drug-awareness and treatment programs for youth. The bill emphasizes rehabilitation by including community service and drug counseling, and it addresses the issue of imitation controlled substances. It clarifies that possession for personal use leads to forfeiture but is not grounds for search suspicion. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7315: 21-28-4.1