Relating to the criminal and licensing consequences of certain offenses relating to the possession of marihuana, certain tetrahydrocannabinols, certain synthetic cannabinoids, and drug paraphernalia; imposing a fee.
Impact
HB 218 is expected to have significant implications for state laws concerning drug possession. By changing the penalties associated with low-level marijuana offenses, the bill aims to alleviate the burden on the criminal justice system and reduce the number of arrests for minor infractions. Supporters argue this will not only lower costs for law enforcement and the judicial system but will also provide an opportunity for individuals charged with such offenses to avoid severe legal repercussions. The proposed fee associated with offenses could also be a means to generate funds for community initiatives.
Summary
House Bill 218, introduced by Chairman Moody, addresses the enforcement of laws concerning the personal use and possession of cannabis and related substances in Texas. The bill aims to reform the legal consequences of certain marijuana possession offenses, including tetrahydrocannabinols and synthetic cannabinoids, thereby reducing penalties. Specifically, it proposes to make possession of small amounts of marijuana a non-arrestable Class C misdemeanor, thereby altering how law enforcement handles such cases. This reform is seen as a shift towards a more lenient stance on marijuana use, emphasizing better use of law enforcement resources and prioritizing serious crimes.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 218 appears to be largely positive among supporters, who view it as a necessary step towards more sensible drug policy in Texas. Advocates of the bill assert that it aligns Texas with an evolving perspective on cannabis and supports better allocation of law enforcement resources. Conversely, some opponents express concerns regarding the potential normalization of drug use and worry about the implications of reduced penalties on public health and safety.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the balance between leniency towards marijuana possession and the need to maintain public safety. Some legislators question the ramifications of decriminalizing possession on a larger scale, voicing concerns about the broader implications for drug culture and community health. Additionally, debates center around the perceived benefits of reallocating law enforcement resources and whether the proposed change adequately addresses the complexities of drug-related issues in society.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Code Of Criminal Procedure
Chapter 14. Arrest Without Warrant
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Chapter 45. Justice And Municipal Courts
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Health And Safety Code
Chapter 481. Texas Controlled Substances Act
Section: New Section
Section: 103
Section: 1161
Section: 121
Section: 125
Section: 119
Section: New Section
Section: 103
Section: 1161
Section: 121
Section: 134
Section: 119
Section: 125
Section: 118
Section: 1151
Section: 116
Section: 106
Section: 115
Section: 116
Section: 1161
Section: 121
Section: 125
Section: 119
Section: 118
Section: 117
Section: 106
Section: New Section
Section: 113
Section: 122
Transportation Code
Chapter 521. Driver's Licenses And Certificates
Section: 371
Section: 371
Section: 371
Occupations Code
Chapter 551. General Provisions
Section: 003
Section: 003
Government Code
Chapter 411. Department Of Public Safety Of The State Of Texas
Section: 0728
Section: 0728
Penal Code
Chapter 31. Theft
Section: New Section
Chapter 28. Arson, Criminal Mischief, And Other Property Damage Or Destruction
Section: 03
Section: 08
Chapter 49. Intoxication And Alcoholic Beverage Offenses
Similar
Relating to the criminal and licensing consequences of certain offenses relating to the possession of marihuana, certain tetrahydrocannabinols, certain synthetic cannabinoids, and drug paraphernalia; imposing a fee.
Relating to the criminal and licensing consequences of certain offenses relating to the possession of marihuana, certain tetrahydrocannabinols, certain synthetic cannabinoids, and drug paraphernalia; imposing a fee.
Relating to the criminal and licensing consequences of certain offenses relating to the possession of marihuana, certain tetrahydrocannabinols, certain synthetic cannabinoids, and drug paraphernalia; imposing a fee.
Relating to the criminal and licensing consequences of certain offenses relating to the possession of marihuana, certain tetrahydrocannabinols, certain synthetic cannabinoids, and drug paraphernalia; imposing a fee.
Relating to the criminal consequences of certain criminal offenses involving the possession of marihuana or possession of drug paraphernalia; imposing a fee; authorizing a fine.
Relating to the criminal and licensing consequences of certain criminal offenses involving the possession or delivery of marihuana and cannabis concentrate or possession of drug paraphernalia; imposing a fee; authorizing a fine.
Relating to repealing certain offenses and removing certain regulations relating to marihuana, cannabis, cannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids, and paraphernalia.
Relating to repealing certain offenses and removing certain regulations relating to marihuana, cannabis, cannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids, and paraphernalia.
Relating to the criminal and licensing consequences of certain offenses relating to the possession of marihuana, certain tetrahydrocannabinols, certain synthetic cannabinoids, and drug paraphernalia; imposing a fee.
Relating to the criminal and licensing consequences of certain offenses relating to the possession of marihuana, certain tetrahydrocannabinols, certain synthetic cannabinoids, and drug paraphernalia; imposing a fee.
Relating to the criminal and licensing consequences of certain offenses relating to the possession of marihuana, certain tetrahydrocannabinols, certain synthetic cannabinoids, and drug paraphernalia; imposing a fee.
Relating to repealing certain offenses and removing certain regulations relating to marihuana, cannabis, cannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids, and paraphernalia.
Relating to repealing certain offenses and removing certain regulations relating to marihuana, cannabis, cannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids, and paraphernalia.