HB5708 Summary: Cannabis Penalties

• Possession of 30 grams or less of cannabis becomes a regulatory offense charged via Uniform Cannabis Ticket with a $100 fine, rather than a criminal charge

• Creates new "regulatory offense" classification in state law that is not considered a criminal offense and does not appear in criminal databases or affect parole/probation

• Establishes Uniform Cannabis Ticket system allowing issuance without arrest for minor cannabis possession, with fines payable to court clerk without court appearance

• Increases penalties for larger cannabis amounts: 30-500 grams elevated from Class 4 to Class A misdemeanor (with Class 4 felony for repeat offenders); 500+ grams remain felonies with escalating severity

• Amends expungement and sealing procedures to treat regulatory offenses favorably, allowing automatic record sealing upon payment of fines and costs