The bill H. 3110 aims to amend South Carolina's laws regarding controlled substance offenses, specifically focusing on the decriminalization of marijuana possession. It proposes to decriminalize the possession of twenty-eight grams (one ounce) or less of marijuana and ten grams or less of hashish, allowing law enforcement to issue civil citations for these amounts instead of criminal charges. Additionally, the bill seeks to reduce penalties for first-time possession of less than one gram of methamphetamine or cocaine base, mandating completion of a drug treatment or rehabilitation program as part of the sentence. The bill also requires that individuals guilty of a first offense for certain controlled substances be placed on probation.

Key amendments include changes to the penalties associated with marijuana possession, where individuals caught with the specified amounts may face fines rather than imprisonment. The bill also modifies the language regarding the penalties for methamphetamine and cocaine base possession, reducing the maximum imprisonment for a first offense from three years to one year and adjusting the fines accordingly. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of rehabilitation over incarceration, reflecting a shift towards a more treatment-oriented approach in handling drug-related offenses.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 44-53-370
Latest Version: 44-53-370
12/06/2024: 44-53-370