Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that reduces certain drug possession charges from a felony to a misdemeanor and increases drug program fees.

Highlights:

• Reduces the classification of illegal possession of certain controlled substances to a misdemeanor with the following penalties (Secs. 1-3):
• A fine;
• A jail term of up to 1 year; or
• Both.

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill apply to certain controlled substances including, but not limited to, the following (Secs. 1-3):
• Narcotics;
• Heroin;
• Amphetamines;
• Marijuana; and
• Certain hallucinogenic substances.

• Increases drug program fees for illegal possession of certain controlled substances from $150 to no more than $500 for the first offense and no more than $1,500 for repeat offenses (Secs. 1-3).

• Establishes the following drug program fees for defendants who are granted probation and who accept the terms of probation (Secs. 1-3):
• $250 for the first offense; and
• No more than $500 for repeat offenses.

• Authorizes the jail administrator to release misdemeanor inmates prior to the completion of their sentence if there is a need for jail space and these inmates may be required to abide by certain conditions including, but not limited to, the following (Sec. 6):
• Completing his or her sentence on continuous electronic monitoring;
• Passing drug tests; or
• Both.

Full Bill Text