Controlled substance offenses and penalties

A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 44-53-370, 44-53-375, AND 44-53-450, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, ALL RELATING TO CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE OFFENSES AND PENALTIES, SO AS TO DECRIMINALIZE POSSESSION OF TWENTY-EIGHT GRAMS OR ONE OUNCE OR LESS OF MARIJUANA OR TEN GRAMS OR LESS OF HASHISH AND AUTHORIZE LAW ENFORCEMENT TO ISSUE A CIVIL CITATION FOR POSSESSION OF THAT SAME QUANTITY OF MARIJUANA OR HASHISH; TO DECREASE PENALTIES FOR FIRST OFFENSE POSSESSION OF LESS THAN ONE GRAM OF METHAMPHETAMINE OR COCAINE BASE AND REQUIRE COMPLETION OF A DRUG TREATMENT OR REHABILITATION PROGRAM AS PART OF THE SENTENCE; AND TO REQUIRE THE COURT TO PLACE PERSONS ON PROBATION WHO ARE GUILTY OF A FIRST OFFENSE POSSESSION OF CERTAIN CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES.