HB269 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Patricia Todd

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Crimes and offenses, possession of marijuana, violation punishable by a fine only, Secs. 13A-12-213, 13A-12-214 am'd.

Summary

HB269 redefines marijuana possession into two degrees, makes the first offense of second-degree possession a fine-only violation, and includes related record-keeping and local-funding considerations.

What This Bill Does

It defines unlawful possession of marijuana in the first degree as more than one ounce and in the second degree as one ounce or less. It preserves felony classifications for first-degree possession (Class C for non-personal use and Class D for personal use after a prior conviction). It changes the first offense of second-degree possession to a fine-only violation with specified fines ($250 for the first offense, $500 for subsequent offenses) and states that a conviction under this section would not appear on the person’s criminal record. It also addresses local-funding rules under Amendment 621, noting an exemption, and sets an effective date for the act after passage.

Who It Affects

• Individuals who possess marijuana: those with more than one ounce (first-degree) and those with one ounce or less (second-degree), with different penalties and potential prior-conviction implications.
• Local governments and taxpayers: the bill discusses local-funding requirements and provides an exemption under Amendment 621, affecting how the measure interacts with local expenditures.

Key Provisions

• Defines unlawful possession of marijuana in the first degree as possession of more than one ounce, with two subcases: for other than personal use (Class C felony) or for personal use after a prior conviction (Class D felony).
• Defines unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree as possession of one ounce or less for personal use, punishable as a Class A misdemeanor with a first-offense fine of $250 and a second-or-subsequent offense fine of $500, and provides that a conviction under this section shall not appear on the criminal record.
• States the act would be effective on the first day of the third month after passage, and notes Amendment 621 considerations, including an exemption from certain local-funding requirements because the bill creates or amends a crime.

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

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses