SB 952 Summary

• Reclassifies simple drug possession as a Class A misdemeanor effective October 1, 2015, eliminating prior tiered felony penalties for first, second, and subsequent offenses for most controlled substances and cannabis.

• Establishes an expedited pardons review process allowing nonviolent offenders to receive pardons without a hearing unless a victim requests one, effective July 1, 2015.

• Restructures the Board of Pardons and Paroles from 20 members to 10 full-time and up to 5 part-time members appointed by the Governor, effective June 30, 2015.

• Creates a new administrative parole recommendation process allowing board members or qualified employees to recommend parole for eligible inmates without a full panel hearing, subject to panel approval.

• Allows individuals who seek medical assistance for overdoses to be exempt from drug possession charges if evidence was obtained as a result of seeking that assistance, and authorizes home confinement with electronic monitoring for certain drug offenders.