HB 19-1263 Summary

• Effective March 1, 2020, possession of more than 4 grams of Schedule I or II controlled substances becomes a Level 4 drug felony, while possession of 4 grams or less becomes a Level 1 drug misdemeanor.

• District attorneys are prohibited from charging possession of minuscule, residual, or unusable amounts of controlled substances in used hypodermic needles or drug paraphernalia.

• Fourth or subsequent offenses for possession of 4 grams or less of Schedule I or II substances, or any amount of Schedule III-V substances, constitute a Level 4 drug felony.

• Court may suspend public service hours when completion interferes with necessary treatment or probation requirements; creates expanded sentencing options with probation and jail time combinations for drug misdemeanors.

• Establishes Community Substance Use and Mental Health Services Grant Program through the Department of Local Affairs, appropriating at least $1.8 million annually from projected savings to fund substance use treatment and diversion programs in counties.