Bill Text: HI SB681 | 2016 | Regular Session | Introduced

---

Bill Title: Marijuana; Marijuana Concentrate; Possession of One Ounce or Less; Civil Penalties

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2015-12-17 - Carried over to 2016 Regular Session. [SB681 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2016-SB681-Introduced.html

---

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	681
TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2015
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to marijuana.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  Chapter 329, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§329-    Possession of marijuana.  (a)  Intentional or knowing possession of one ounce or less of marijuana or marijuana concentrate as defined under 712-1240 shall constitute a civil violation subject to a fine not to exceed $100.

     (b)  Civil fines and penalties for violations under this section shall be deposited by the director of finance to the credit of the state general fund."

     SECTION 2.  Section 302A-1002, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "[[]§302A-1002[]]  Reporting of crime-related incidents.  The board shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to:

     (1)  Require a report to appropriate authorities from a teacher, official, or other employee of the department who knows or has reason to believe that an act has been committed or will be committed, which:

         (A)  Occurred or will occur on school property during school hours or during activities supervised by the school; and

         (B)  Involves crimes relating to arson, assault, burglary, disorderly conduct, dangerous weapons, dangerous drugs, harmful drugs, extortion, firearms, gambling, harassment, intoxicating drugs, more than one ounce of marijuana or marijuana concentrate, murder, attempted murder, sexual offenses, rendering a false alarm, criminal property damage, robbery, terroristic threatening, theft, or trespass;

     (2)  Establish procedures for disposing of any incident reported; and

     (3)  Impose, in addition to any other powers or authority the department may have to discipline school officials, appropriate disciplinary action for failure to report these incidents, including probation, suspension, demotion, and discharge of school officials."

     SECTION 3.  Section 329-125, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

     "(a)  A qualifying patient or the primary caregiver may assert the medical use of marijuana as an affirmative defense to any criminal or civil prosecution involving marijuana under this [[]part[]], section 329-  , or chapter 712; provided that the qualifying patient or the primary caregiver strictly complied with the requirements of this part."

     SECTION 4.  Section 353-66, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (f) to read as follows:

     "(f)  The Hawaii paroling authority may require a paroled prisoner to undergo and complete a substance abuse treatment program when the paroled prisoner has committed a violation of the terms and conditions of parole involving possession or use, not including to distribute or manufacture as defined in section 712-1240, of any dangerous drug, detrimental drug, harmful drug, intoxicating compound, or more than one ounce of marijuana[,] or marijuana concentrate, as defined in section 712-1240, unlawful methamphetamine trafficking as provided in section 712-1240.6, or involving possession or use of drug paraphernalia under section 329-43.5.  If the paroled prisoner fails to complete the substance abuse treatment program or the Hawaii paroling authority determines that the paroled prisoner cannot benefit from any substance abuse treatment program, the paroled prisoner shall be subject to revocation of parole and return to incarceration.  As a condition of parole, the Hawaii paroling authority may require the paroled prisoner to:

     (1)  Be assessed by a certified substance abuse counselor for substance abuse dependency or abuse under the applicable Diagnostic and Statistical Manual and Addiction Severity Index;

     (2)  Present a proposal to receive substance abuse treatment in accordance with the treatment plan prepared by a certified substance abuse counselor through a substance abuse treatment program that includes an identified source of payment for the treatment program;

     (3)  Contribute to the cost of the substance abuse treatment program; and

     (4)  Comply with any other terms and conditions for parole.

     As used in this subsection, "substance abuse treatment program" means drug or substance abuse treatment services provided outside a correctional facility by a public, private, or nonprofit entity that specializes in treating persons who are diagnosed with having substance abuse or dependency and preferably employs licensed professionals or certified substance abuse counselors.

     Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to give rise to a cause of action against the State, a state employee, or a treatment provider."

     SECTION 5.  Section 706-622.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (1) to read as follows:

     "(1)  Notwithstanding section 706-620(3), a person convicted for the first or second time for any offense under section 329-43.5 involving the possession or use of drug paraphernalia or any felony offense under part IV of chapter 712 involving the possession or use of any dangerous drug, detrimental drug, harmful drug, intoxicating compound, or more than one ounce of marijuana[,] or marijuana concentrate, as defined in section 712‑1240, but not including any offense under part IV of chapter 712 involving the distribution or manufacture of any such drugs or substances and not including any methamphetamine trafficking offenses under sections 712‑1240.7 and 712‑1240.8, is eligible to be sentenced to probation under subsection (2) if the person meets the following criteria:

     (a)  The court has determined that the person is nonviolent after reviewing the person's criminal history, the factual circumstances of the offense for which the person is being sentenced, and any other relevant information;

     (b)  The person has been assessed by a certified substance abuse counselor to be in need of substance abuse treatment due to dependency or abuse under the applicable Diagnostic and Statistical Manual and Addiction Severity Index; and

     (c)  Except for those persons directed to substance abuse treatment under the supervision of the drug court, the person presents a proposal to receive substance abuse treatment in accordance with the treatment plan prepared by a certified substance abuse counselor through a substance abuse treatment program that includes an identified source of payment for the treatment program."

     SECTION 6.  Section 706-625, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (7) to read as follows:

     "(7)  The court may require a defendant to undergo and complete a substance abuse treatment program when the defendant has committed a violation of the terms and conditions of probation involving possession or use, not including to distribute or manufacture as defined in section 712-1240, of any dangerous drug, detrimental drug, harmful drug, intoxicating compound, or more than one ounce of marijuana[,] or marijuana concentrate, as defined in section 712-1240, unlawful methamphetamine trafficking as provided in section 712-1240.6, or involving possession or use of drug paraphernalia under section 329-43.5.  If the defendant fails to complete the substance abuse treatment program or the court determines that the defendant cannot benefit from any other suitable substance abuse treatment program, the defendant shall be subject to revocation of probation and incarceration.  The court may require the defendant to:

     (a)  Be assessed by a certified substance abuse counselor for substance abuse dependency or abuse under the applicable Diagnostic and Statistical Manual and Addiction Severity Index;

     (b)  Present a proposal to receive substance abuse treatment in accordance with the treatment plan prepared by a certified substance abuse counselor through a substance abuse treatment program that includes an identified source of payment for the treatment program;

     (c)  Contribute to the cost of the substance abuse treatment program; and

     (d)  Comply with any other terms and conditions of probation.

     As used in this subsection, "substance abuse treatment program" means drug or substance abuse treatment services provided outside a correctional facility by a public, private, or nonprofit entity that specializes in treating persons who are diagnosed with substance abuse or dependency and preferably employs licensed professionals or certified substance abuse counselors.

     Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to give rise to a cause of action against the State, a state employee, or a treatment provider."

     SECTION 7.  Section 710-1022, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (2) to read as follows:

     "(2)  A "dangerous instrument" shall have the same meaning as defined in section 707-700; a dangerous instrument may only be possessed by or conveyed to a confined person with the facility administrator's express prior approval.  A "drug" shall include dangerous drugs, detrimental drugs, harmful drugs, intoxicating compounds, and more than one ounce of marijuana[, and] or marijuana concentrates as listed in section 712-1240; a drug may only be possessed by or conveyed to a confined person with the facility administrator's express prior approval and under medical supervision."

     SECTION 8.  Section 712-1244, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (1) to read as follows:

     "(1)  A person commits the offense of promoting a harmful drug in the first degree if the person knowingly:

     (a)  Possesses one hundred or more capsules or tablets or dosage units containing one or more of the harmful drugs [or], one or more of the marijuana concentrates[,] having an aggregate weight of more than one ounce, or any combination thereof;

     (b)  Possesses one or more preparations, compounds, mixtures, or substances[,] of an aggregate weight of one ounce or more containing one or more of the harmful drugs [or], one or more of the marijuana concentrates[,] having an aggregate weight of more than one ounce, or any combination thereof;

     (c)  Distributes twenty-five or more capsules or tablets or dosage units containing one or more of the harmful drugs or one or more of the marijuana concentrates, or any combination thereof;

     (d)  Distributes one or more preparations, compounds, mixtures, or substances, of an aggregate weight of one-eighth ounce or more, containing one or more of the harmful drugs or one or more of the marijuana concentrates, or any combination thereof; or

     (e)  Distributes any harmful drug or any marijuana concentrate in any amount to a minor."

     SECTION 9.  Section 712-1245, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (1) to read as follows:

     "(1)  A person commits the offense of promoting a harmful drug in the second degree if the person knowingly:

     (a)  Possesses fifty or more capsules or tablets or dosage units containing one or more of the harmful drugs [or], one or more of the marijuana concentrates[,] having an aggregate weight of more than one ounce, or any combination thereof;

     (b)  Possesses one or more preparations, compounds, mixtures, or substances[,] of an aggregate weight of one-eighth ounce or more[,] containing one or more of the harmful drugs [or], one or more of the marijuana concentrates[,] having an aggregate weight of more than one ounce, or any combination thereof; or

     (c)  Distributes any harmful drug or any marijuana concentrate in any amount."

     SECTION 10.  Section 712-1246, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (1) to read as follows:

     "(1)  A person commits the offense of promoting a harmful drug in the third degree if the person knowingly possesses twenty-five or more capsules or tablets or dosage units containing one or more of the harmful drugs [or], one or more of the marijuana concentrates[,] having an aggregate weight of more than one ounce, or any combination thereof."

     SECTION 11.  Section 712-1246.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (1) to read as follows:

     "(1)  A person commits the offense of promoting a harmful drug in the fourth degree if the person knowingly possesses any harmful drug in any amount[.] or more than one ounce of marijuana concentrate."

     SECTION 12.  Section 712-1247, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (1) to read as follows:

     "(1)  A person commits the offense of promoting a detrimental drug in the first degree if the person knowingly:

     (a)  Possesses four hundred or more capsules or tablets containing one or more of the Schedule V substances;

     (b)  Possesses one or more preparations, compounds, mixtures, or substances of an aggregate weight of one ounce or more, containing one or more of the Schedule V substances;

     (c)  Distributes fifty or more capsules or tablets containing one or more of the Schedule V substances;

     (d)  Distributes one or more preparations, compounds, mixtures, or substances of an aggregate weight of one‑eighth ounce or more, containing one or more of the Schedule V substances;

     (e)  Possesses one or more preparations, compounds, mixtures, or substances of an aggregate weight of one pound or more, containing any marijuana[;] having an aggregate weight of more than one ounce;

     (f)  Distributes one or more preparations, compounds, mixtures, or substances of an aggregate weight of one ounce or more, containing any marijuana;

     (g)  Possesses, cultivates, or has under the person's control twenty-five or more marijuana plants; or

     (h)  Sells or barters any marijuana or any Schedule V substance in any amount."

     SECTION 13.  Section 712-1248, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (1) to read as follows:

     "(1)  A person commits the offense of promoting a detrimental drug in the second degree if the person knowingly:

     (a)  Possesses fifty or more capsules or tablets containing one or more of the Schedule V substances;

     (b)  Possesses one or more preparations, compounds, mixtures, or substances, of an aggregate weight of one-eighth ounce or more, containing one or more of the Schedule V substances;

     (c)  Possesses one or more preparations, compounds, mixtures, or substances, of an aggregate weight of one ounce or more, containing any marijuana[;] having an aggregate weight of more than one ounce; or

     (d)  Distributes any marijuana or any Schedule V substance in any amount."

     SECTION 14.  Section 712-1249, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (1) to read as follows:

     "(1)  A person commits the offense of promoting a detrimental drug in the third degree if the person knowingly possesses more than one ounce of any marijuana or any Schedule V substance in any amount."

     SECTION 15.  Section 712-1255, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "§712-1255  Conditional discharge.  (1)  Whenever any person who has not previously been convicted of any offense under this chapter [or], chapter 329 except for section 329-  , or under any statute of the United States or of any state relating to a dangerous drug, harmful drug, detrimental drug, or an intoxicating compound, pleads guilty to or is found guilty of promoting a dangerous drug, harmful drug, detrimental drug, or an intoxicating compound under section 712-1243, 712-1245, 712‑1246, 712-1248, 712-1249, or 712-1250, the court, without entering a judgment of guilt and with the consent of the accused, may defer further proceedings and place the accused on probation upon terms and conditions.  Upon violation of a term or condition, the court may enter an adjudication of guilt and proceed as otherwise provided.

     (2)  Upon fulfillment of the terms and conditions, the court shall discharge the person and dismiss the proceedings against the person.

     (3)  Discharge and dismissal under this section shall be without adjudication of guilt and is not a conviction for purposes of this section or for purposes of disqualifications or disabilities imposed by law upon conviction of a crime.

     (4)  There may be only one discharge and dismissal under this section with respect to any person.

     (5)  After conviction, for any offense under this chapter or chapter 329[,] except for section 329-  , but prior to sentencing, the court shall be advised by the prosecutor whether the conviction is defendant's first or a subsequent offense.  If it is not a first offense, the prosecutor shall file an information setting forth the prior convictions.  The defendant shall have the opportunity in open court to affirm or deny that the defendant is identical with the person previously convicted.  If the defendant denies the identity, sentence shall be postponed for such time as to permit the trial, before a jury if the defendant has a right to trial by jury and demands a jury, on the sole issue of the defendant's identity with the person previously convicted.

     (6)  For purposes of this section, a conviction for one or more civil violations under section 329-   shall not constitute a prior offense making a conditional discharge under this section unavailable to the defendant."

     SECTION 16.  This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

     SECTION 17.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 18.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

Report Title:

Marijuana; Marijuana Concentrate; Possession of One Ounce or Less; Civil Penalties

 

Description:

Establishes a civil penalty for possession of one ounce of less of marijuana or marijuana concentrate that is subject to a fine of not more than $100.  Makes various conforming amendments to statutes to reflect the establishment of the civil violation for possession of marijuana or marijuana concentrate of one ounce or less.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.