Mississippi 2025 Regular Session

Mississippi Senate Bill SB2353

Introduced
1/20/25  
Refer
1/20/25  

Caption

Marijuana; provide that simple possession of 30 grams or less is a civil infraction.

Impact

This bill will have major implications for the state’s drug laws. By establishing possession of small amounts of marijuana as a civil infraction, it allows municipal courts to impose civil penalties instead of criminal charges. This not only reduces the potential consequences for those individuals but also lessens the caseload of criminal courts, enabling law enforcement and judicial resources to be redirected toward more serious offenses. It marks a step towards a more lenient and pragmatic approach to marijuana possession in Mississippi, aligning the state with a growing number of jurisdictions that are decriminalizing similar offenses.

Summary

Senate Bill 2353 amends the Mississippi Code by changing the legal status of simple possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana from a criminal offense to a civil infraction. This significant shift aims to ease the penal consequences for individuals found in possession of small amounts of marijuana, reflecting a broader movement towards the decriminalization and legalization of cannabis throughout the United States. By categorizing such possession as a civil matter, the bill seeks to alleviate the burden on individuals in terms of legal repercussions and potential criminal records.

Contention

Notably, the bill may face contention among various stakeholders. Advocates for drug policy reform may support the bill as a positive change, promoting social justice and reducing racially disproportionate impacts of drug law enforcement. Conversely, some law enforcement agencies and conservative groups may argue against the decriminalization of marijuana, fearing it could lead to increased use and potential public health risks. Additionally, the bill might raise discussions about the balance between state and municipal authorities, particularly regarding the jurisdiction of municipal courts to impose civil penalties in drug-related cases.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

MS HB654

Marijuana; reduce penalties for possession of.

MS HB997

Marijuana; reduce penalties for possession of.

MS SB2037

Possession of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids; amend penalties for certain convictions.

MS SB2199

Possession of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids; amend penalties for certain convictions.

MS HB1072

Aggravated trafficking; any person trafficking in Schedule I or II controlled substances of eighty or more dosage units is guilty of.

MS HB1703

Marijuana possession; revise as civil penalty.

MS HB30

Marijuana possession; provide civil penalty for.

MS HB598

Marijuana possession; revise as civil penalty.