SB14-129 Summary

• Creates the Adolescent Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Fund, funded by $25 surcharges on underage alcohol and marijuana possession convictions, with appropriations to behavioral health programs ($28,687 for treatment and $9,563 for prevention).

• Makes underage possession or consumption of one ounce or less of marijuana an unclassified petty offense with escalating penalties: first offense up to $100 fine or mandatory education program; second offense includes up to 24 hours community service; third offense includes up to 36 hours community service.

• Establishes immunity from prosecution for underage persons who call 911 to report another underage person needing medical assistance for alcohol or marijuana consumption, provided they remain at the scene and cooperate with responders.

• Authorizes culinary arts and food service students at accredited post-secondary schools to taste alcohol beverages for instructional purposes under instructor supervision without criminal liability.

• Allows parents or legal guardians to permit underage consumption of alcohol on private property with parental consent, and clarifies marijuana accessories are not drug paraphernalia for persons age 21 and older.