Texas House Bill HB2940

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to citations and participation in pretrial diversion for misdemeanor possession of marihuana.

Impact

The law will require that when an individual is charged with misdemeanor marihuana possession, they are given a citation that provides them the option to attend a substance abuse prevention course. Upon successful completion, the individual can have their charge dismissed. This shift represents a significant change in how minor drug offenses are handled in Texas, moving towards a system focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment for low-level offenses, and reflecting a broader trend in drug policy reform across the state and nation.

Summary

House Bill 2940 addresses citations and participation in pretrial diversion specifically for misdemeanor possession of marihuana. The bill aims to amend existing criminal procedure laws, allowing peace officers to issue citations instead of arresting individuals for certain low-level misdemeanor drug offenses. This legislative change is designed to reduce the burden on the criminal justice system and manage minor offenses more efficiently by offering alternative pathways to dismissal through participation in substance abuse prevention courses.

Contention

Notable points of contention include discussions around the implications of reducing penalties for drug possession offenses. Advocates argue that such measures can help decriminalize minor marihuana offenses, promote public health, and reduce recidivism rates. However, opponents may raise concerns regarding the message sent about drug use and potential implications for substance abuse rates. Additionally, there may be debates concerning the effectiveness of substance abuse education and whether citations rather than arrests truly address the underlying issues associated with drug use.