MS SB2347

Establishes new penalty structure for simple possession of methamphetamine with amounts of 1 gram or less or 5 dosage units or less, making a first offense punishable by up to $250 fine or up to 30 days in county jail.

Requires courts to assess defendants convicted of a first methamphetamine offense for participation in a drug treatment program approved by the Department of Mental Health from a certified provider, unless the court enters a written finding that such a program is inappropriate.

Makes a second methamphetamine offense within 5 years punishable by $250-$1,000 fine and 5 days to 6 months in county jail, and mandates 30 days of drug treatment with appropriate level of care to be recommended by the certified provider unless the court finds it inappropriate.

Establishes that a third or subsequent methamphetamine offense within 5 years is a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison or up to $50,000 fine.

Sunsets the new methamphetamine penalty provisions on July 1, 2029.