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GA HB1046
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/18/2016
Primary Sponsor
LaDawn Jones
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AI Summary
- Eliminates imprisonment and criminal misdemeanor classification for possession of one ounce or less of marijuana in Georgia, making it a non-criminal violation punishable only by fines and possible substance abuse evaluation/treatment
- Establishes a tiered fine structure: up to $250 for a first violation, up to $500 for a second violation, and up to $750 for a third and subsequent violations, replacing the previous penalty of up to 12 months imprisonment and/or up to $1,000 fine
- Requires a clinical evaluation and, if recommended, completion of a substance abuse treatment program for each violation, though courts retain discretion to waive the evaluation and treatment requirement
- Adds fines imposed under the marijuana possession provision to those subject to a 50% additional penalty surcharge benefiting the County Drug Abuse Treatment and Education Fund
- Updates conforming cross-references across multiple Georgia code sections governing jurisdiction of state courts, probate courts, and magistrate courts to reflect the reclassification of the offense
Legislative Description
Crimes and offenses; possession of one ounce or less of marijuana is not punishable by imprisonment; provide
Last Action
House Second Readers
2/22/2016
Full Bill Text
No bill text available