NY S03600

Reclassifies possession of controlled substances from a Class A misdemeanor ("criminal possession in the seventh degree") to a non-criminal violation ("unlawful possession") punishable by a fine of up to $50 or participation in a needs screening for health and social services

Automatically expunges prior convictions for possession offenses under section 220.03 of the penal law, with records to be cleared within one year of the law's effective date

Repeals sections 220.46 and 220.25 of the penal law and expands the definition of non-criminal drug paraphernalia to include objects used for injecting, ingesting, or inhaling drugs

Establishes a Drug Decriminalization Task Force within the Department of Health to study and recommend reforms to state laws, including identifying personal use amounts, reducing racial disparities in enforcement, and addressing immigration and child welfare consequences of drug convictions

Task force must submit a report with legislative recommendations within one year; the task force provision expires two years after the law takes effect (law becomes effective 180 days after passage)