Marijuana; decriminalization of simple possession, penalty.

Marijuana; decriminalization of simple marijuana possession. Decriminalizes simple marijuana possession and provides a civil penalty, payable to the Literary Fund, of no more than $100 for a first violation, $250 for a second violation, and $500 for a third or subsequent violation. Under current law, a first offense is punishable by a maximum fine of $500 and a maximum 30-day jail sentence, and subsequent offenses are a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill reduces the criminal penalties for distribution and possession with intent to sell, give, or distribute marijuana. The bill creates a rebuttable presumption that a person who possesses no more than one ounce of marijuana possesses it for personal use and provides that the suspended sentence/substance abuse screening provisions apply only to criminal violations or to civil violations by a minor. The bill also limits forfeiture of property from the sale or distribution of marijuana to quantities of more than one pound; currently there is no minimum amount. This bill was incorporated into HB 972.