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Committee prints bill proposing $300 minimum fine for misdemeanor marijuana possession
Summary
Representative Bruce Skog presented RS31835 to establish a $300 minimum fine for misdemeanor marijuana possession (three ounces or less); the committee voted to introduce the measure and clarified the minimum would not apply to juveniles.
Representative Bruce Skog, District 10, presented RS31835 to set a statutory minimum fine of $300 for misdemeanor marijuana possession of three ounces or less. Skog said the proposal is not intended to create jail time but to provide a baseline fine amount that currently varies widely in magistrate courts.
Why it matters: The measure would standardize penalties for misdemeanor possession across jurisdictions, excluding juvenile cases. The sponsor said the Idaho Prosecuting Attorneys Association helped craft language to ensure the minimum would not apply to juveniles and that courts retain discretion within statutory limits.
Details and rationale: Skog said a magistrate in one jurisdiction had imposed a fine as low as $2.50 while others imposed fines as high as $500, prompting a request to set a floor. He said the committee previously settled in-session on $300 as a fair minimum and emphasized the exemption for juveniles.
During questions, Representative Mathias asked about statutory phrasing, specifically the use of “not less than.” Skog said he relied on the Idaho Prosecuting Attorneys Association for the drafting language. Skog also framed the proposal as a public-safety issue, commenting on increases in THC levels compared with earlier decades and saying impairment durations differ from alcohol.
Action: Representative Donner moved to introduce RS31835; the committee voted by voice and the motion carried. The transcript does not include individual yea/nay counts.
Next steps: The bill was printed for potential further consideration; sponsors indicated collaboration with prosecutors on language and juvenile exemptions.
