DE HB241

Allow peace officers to issue civil citations to juveniles for alcohol possession or consumption under 21 years old instead of imposing civil penalties, as an alternative under the Juvenile Offender Civil Citation Program.

Allow peace officers to issue civil citations to juveniles under 21 for marijuana possession violations instead of imposing civil penalties, with participation in counseling, treatment, or other interventions.

Remove the provision that required unpaid marijuana possession fines to double if not paid within 90 days of final adjudication.

Establish that juveniles referred to the Juvenile Civil Citation Program under alcohol or marijuana statutes cannot be arrested for refusing to participate or violating program conditions.

Maintain existing penalty structures ($100 first offense, $200-$500 second offense for alcohol; $100 first, $200-$500 second, misdemeanor third or subsequent for marijuana under age 21) while allowing officers discretion to use civil citations instead.