HB486 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Patricia Todd

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Marijuana possession, one ounce or less a civil penalty

Summary

HB486 would decriminalize possession of one ounce or less of marijuana by making it a civil penalty for adults and by requiring a drug-awareness program for minors, with related protections and local regulation options.

What This Bill Does

It changes possession of one ounce or less of marijuana from a crime to a civil offense for adults 18 and older, with a $100 civil penalty and forfeiture of the marijuana (unpaid fines double after 90 days). For minors under 18, the same forfeiture applies, but civil penalties and fines are only imposed if they fail to complete a mandated drug-awareness program, and parents must be notified; if the minor does not complete the program within a year, a civil penalty of up to $350 may be imposed. The bill also limits penalties related to cannabinoid presence, prohibits using this offense to bar financial aid or housing, allows local governments to regulate public use with penalties no greater than alcohol, requires a drug-awareness program (4 hours instruction, 10 hours of community service) with fees up to $150, and sets enforcement rules including possible arrest for failure to show ID when cited.

Who It Affects

• Adults 18 and older who possess one ounce or less of marijuana would face a civil penalty of $100 and forfeiture of the marijuana, with no additional criminal penalties tied to this amount.
• Minors under 18 who possess one ounce or less of marijuana would forfeit the marijuana and must complete a state-approved drug-awareness program; if they fail to complete the program within one year, they could incur a civil penalty up to $350, with parents/guardians notified.

Key Provisions

• Possession of one ounce or less of marijuana becomes a civil offense for adults 18+, with a $100 penalty and forfeiture of the marijuana; unpaid fines double after 90 days.
• Minors under 18 face forfeiture and may owe civil penalties/fines only if they fail to complete a required drug-awareness program within one year; parental notification is required.
• A drug-awareness program is required for under-18 offenders, consisting of at least 4 hours of instruction and 10 hours of community service; the Department of Public Health develops the program, and fees may be up to $150, paid by the offender.
• The state and its subdivisions may not impose penalties beyond those in the act for possession of one ounce or less, and cannot use cannabinoid presence in bodily fluids as grounds for punishment or disqualification from public benefits.
• Information about the offense cannot be recorded in criminal offender databases, and possession does not automatically affect parole/probation status.
• Local governments may enact ordinances regulating public marijuana/tetrahydrocannabinol use, with penalties no greater than those for public alcohol use.
• If a person fails to produce ID or truthfully provide name/address when cited for possession, they may be arrested.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Marijuana