SB 139 Summary

• Expands definitions of synthetic cannabinoid and synthetic stimulant compounds to include numerous specific chemical structures and analogs, while excluding substances in federal clinical trials and FDA-approved drugs.

• Changes penalties for possession or use of synthetic cannabinoids and stimulants: first offense is an infraction with up to $250 fine, second offense is an infraction or misdemeanor with up to $500 fine, third or subsequent offense is a misdemeanor with up to six months jail and/or $1,000 fine.

• Makes persons charged with third or subsequent offense misdemeanors for synthetic drug possession eligible for preguilty plea drug court programs, with protections against dismissal for positive drug tests unless not making progress.

• Excludes from drug court programs only those with violent history, sex offender registration requirements, or those deemed unamenable to all forms of treatment; prior drug convictions are not grounds for exclusion unless person engaged in drug commerce for financial gain.

• Takes effect immediately as an urgency statute with no local reimbursement required.