ATLANTA (February 7, 2017) | Sen. Harold Jones II (D – Augusta) introduced legislation last week which seeks to change the punishment and sentencing structure for the possession of marijuana.
Under current Georgia law, anyone caught possessing over one-ounce of marijuana is prosecuted on a felony charge. Under Senate Bill 105, a person possessing up to half an ounce of marijuana will be subject to a fine not to exceed $300. A person possessing more than half an ounce, but less than two-ounces will be subject to a misdemeanor, including confinement not to exceed 12 months and a fine not to exceed $1,000.
“SB 105 fits squarely with Georgia’s criminal justice reform efforts,” said Sen. Jones. “Georgia has made great strides, but there is still much room to improve in the way that we treat drug offenses. This bill does not impair public safety, but will save many Georgians from having their lives destroyed from a felony conviction. It is my sincere hope that SB 105 can receive bipartisan support and will become law in Georgia.”
Currently, 42 states either do not prosecute felony possession of marijuana, or the amount constituting a felony is higher than Georgia’s. SB 105 has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
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For Immediate Release:
February 7, 2017
For Information Contact:
Ines Owens, Acting Director
Andrew Allison, Communications Associate
andrew.allison@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028