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Colin Bonini on Drugs

 

 


Keep marijuana criminal offenses if under age 21

DE SB45, An Act To Amend Title 16 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Marijuana.

Bill Summary: Under current law, the possession, use, or consumption of a personal use quantity of marijuana remains a crime for those under the age of 21 despite being a civil violation for adults. This Act makes the possession, use, or consumption of a personal use quantity of marijuana a civil violation for juveniles.

Commentary by MPP.org [pro-legalization]: On [a related bill, on] June 30, 2019, Gov. Carney signed SB 37 into law. This bill allows for a single cannabis misdemeanor conviction to be expunged after five years and a single cannabis felony conviction to be expunged after seven years.

Bill Summary: Passed Senate 13-6-2 on 6/20/2019; Sen. Colin Bonini voted NO; Passed House 34-7-0 on 6/30/2019; Signed by Governor John Carney on 07/31/2019.

Source: BillTrack50 on Delaware legislative voting records: DE SB45 , Jun 20, 2019

Decriminalizing marijuana sends young people wrong message

Gov. Jack Markell signed legislation decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana in Delaware. Markell signed the bill privately shortly after it passed the Democrat-controlled Senate on a straight party-line vote. "The governor remains committed to reducing the number of people entering the criminal justice system and refocusing resources where they are needed most," a Markell spokeswoman said.

Opponents expressed concerns that the legislation sends the wrong message to children, `and that it will lead to greater acceptance and use of illegal drugs while hampering the abilities of police to conduct searches and seizures. "This is a bill we're going to regret," said Sen. Colin Bonini, R-Dover. "The message we're sending young people is one we simply should not send."

The legislation makes possession by an adult of a "personal use" quantity of marijuana, defined as an ounce or less, a civil offense punishable by a fine of $100, rather than a crime.

Source: Washington Post on 2016 Delaware gubernatorial race , Jun 18, 2015

Don't decriminalize even one ounce or less of marijuana

HB39: The purpose of this bill is to decriminalize the possession or private use of a personal use quantity of marijuana.

WPVI ABC-6 summary: The bill would eliminate criminal penalties and potential jail time for possession of one ounce of marijuana or less. Instead, it would be a civil offense similar to a traffic ticket.

Legislative Outcome:Passed House 24-14-3 on Jun/2/15; passed Senate 12-9-0 on Jun/18/15; Colin Bonini voted NO; signed by Gov. Markell on Jun/18/15.

Source: WPVI ABC-6 on Delaware State Legislature voting records HB39 , Jun 18, 2015

Don't decriminalize marijuana possession for personal use

HB39: The purpose of this bill is to decriminalize the possession or private use of a personal use quantity of marijuana.

Heritage Foundation in opposition: Scientific research is clear that marijuana is addictive and that its use significantly impairs bodily and mental functions. Even where decriminalized, marijuana trafficking remains a source of violence, crime, and social disintegration.

Marijuana Policy Project in support:On December 18, 2015, HB 39 took effect, removing the threat of arrest and jail time for adults possessing a small amount of marijuana. The law reduced the penalty for simple possession to a $100 civil fine. Previously, simple possession of marijuana was a criminal offense and could result in up to three months in jail, a fine of up to $575, or both.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 24-14-3 on Jun/2/15; passed Senate 12-9-0 on Jun/18/15; State Sen. Colin Bonini voted NO; signed by Gov. Markell on Jun/18/15.

Source: Delaware State Legislature voting records HB39 , Jun 18, 2015

Other governors on Drugs: Colin Bonini on other issues:
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