The bill proposes amendments to the "Uniform Controlled Substances Act," specifically revising penalties related to the manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver controlled substances. It outlines increased penalties for non-drug-addicted individuals involved with schedule I or II substances, excluding marijuana, with potential imprisonment up to life and fines ranging from $10,000 to $500,000. The bill also removes the defense of drug addiction in cases where delivery of a controlled substance results in death. Penalties for schedule III, IV, and V substances are similarly updated, and the bill includes a deletion of the civil penalty for first or second marijuana possession offenses within 18 months, indicating a shift in the approach to marijuana offenses.

For individuals aged 17 to 20, the bill makes marijuana possession a civil offense with a $150 fine and forfeiture of the substance. Minors under 18 are required to complete a drug-awareness program and community service, with increased penalties for non-compliance. The bill ensures that such violations do not affect parole or probation status and keeps records of these violations private. It also delineates the jurisdiction for adjudicating these violations and allocates 50% of collected fines to drug-awareness and treatment programs for youth. The bill includes provisions for other drug-related offenses and is intended to align with the Rhode Island cannabis act upon its passage.

Statutes affected:
2906: 21-28-4.01