Virginia House Bill HB619

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Controlled substances; substance shall not include mere residue that is not a usable quantity, etc.

Impact

The bill proposes specific reforms to Section 18.2-250, which deals with unlawful possession. Notably, it outlines various classifications of controlled substances and the penalties associated with their possession. By clarifying what constitutes a usable quantity, the bill is likely to reduce the number of prosecutions and convictions tied to minimal or non-usable amounts of drugs. Proponents argue that this change can lessen the burden on the judicial system and mitigate the impact of criminal records on individuals caught with mere residue.

Summary

House Bill 619 addresses amendments to the Code of Virginia concerning the possession of controlled substances, particularly clarifying that mere residue that is not a usable quantity shall not be considered a controlled substance. The goal of the bill is to adjust the legal framework surrounding possession and ensure that individuals are not penalized for trace amounts of substances that cannot feasibly be used. This change is significant in the context of Virginia's approach to drug possession laws, especially as it relates to the decriminalization of certain penalties associated with small quantities of drugs.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB 619 could reveal considerations around enforcement practices, especially concerning how law enforcement officers handle arrests related to drug possession. While supporters of the bill laud its intent to prevent unfair penalization, some critics may raise concerns regarding how this amendment could influence actual drug policy effectiveness and public health outcomes. The balance between reducing unnecessary legal repercussions and maintaining stringent laws against drug use remains a point of contention among various stakeholders.