Source: https://localtownpoll.com/issue/59107d0eb523a82fb29fdcb7
Timestamp: 2019-02-23 04:24:59
Document Index: 372575790

Matched Legal Cases: ['§\xa04230', '§ 4230', '§\xa07041', '§ 8005', '§\xa04230', '§ 4230', '§ 4501', '§\xa01001', '§ 7252', '§\xa04230', '§ 4230', '§\xa04230', '§\xa04230', '§ 4230', '§\xa04230', '§\xa04230', '§\xa04230', '§ 4230', '§\xa04230', '§\xa04230', '§\xa04230', '§\xa04230', '§\xa04476', '§ 4476', '§\xa01134', '§ 1134', '§\xa01134', '§ 1134', '§\xa01134', '§\xa01134', '§ 1001', '§\xa04201', '§\xa03504', '§ 3504', '§\xa04201', '§ 1001', '§\xa04201', '§ 1001', '§\xa04230', '§ 1134', '§\xa0406', '§ 1010', '§ 4230', '§ 4230', '§ 7041', '§ 8005', '§ 4230', '§ 4230', '§ 4501', '§ 1001', '§ 122', '§ 7252', '§ 4230', '§ 4230', '§ 4230', '§ 4230', '§ 4230', '§ 4230', '§ 4230', '§ 4230', '§ 4230', '§ 4230', '§ 4230', '§ 4230', '§ 4230', '§ 4476', '§ 4476', '§ 1134', '§ 1134', '§ 1134', '§ 1134', '§ 1134', '§ 1134', '§ 1001', '§ 4201', '§ 3504', '§ 3504', '§ 4201', '§ 1001', '§ 4201', '§ 1001', '§ 4230', '§ 1134', '§ 406', '§ 1010']

Vermont House of Representatives H.511. An act relating to eliminating penalties for possession of limited amounts of marijuana
H.511. An act relating to eliminating penalties for possession of limited amounts of marijuana by adults 21 years of age or older
Sec. 1. LEGISLATIVE INTENT; CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES.
It is the intent of the General Assembly to eliminate all penalties for possession of one ounce or less of marijuana and two mature and four immature marijuana plants for a person who is 21 years of age or older while retaining criminal penalties for possession, dispensing, and sale of larger amounts of marijuana.
Sec. 3. 18 V.S.A. § 4230 is amended to read:
§ 4230. MARIJUANA.
(C) Upon an adjudication of guilt for a first or second offense under this subdivision, the court may defer sentencing as provided in 13 V.S.A.
§ 7041 except that the court may in its discretion defer sentence without the filing of a presentence investigation report and except that sentence may be imposed at any time within two years from and after the date of entry of deferment. The court may, prior to sentencing, order that the defendant submit to a drug assessment screening which may be considered at sentencing in the same manner as a presentence report.
(3) A person knowingly and unlawfully possessing more than one pound or more of marijuana or more than 2.8 ounces of hashish or knowingly and unlawfully cultivating more than 10 plants of six mature marijuana plants or 12 immature marijuana plants shall be imprisoned not more than five years or fined not more than $10,000.00, or both.
(4) A person knowingly and unlawfully possessing more than 10 pounds of marijuana or more than one pound of hashish or knowingly and unlawfully cultivating more than 12 mature marijuana plants or 24 immature marijuana plants shall be imprisoned not more than 15 years or fined not more than $500,000.00, or both.
(5) If a court fails to provide the defendant with notice of collateral consequences in accordance with 13 V.S.A. § 8005(b) and the defendant later at any time shows that the plea and conviction for a violation of this subsection may have or has had a negative consequence, the court, upon the defendant’s motion, shall vacate the judgment and permit the defendant to withdraw the plea or admission and enter a plea of not guilty. Failure of the court to advise the defendant of a particular collateral consequence shall not support a motion to vacate.
* * * Sec. 4. 18 V.S.A. § 4230a is amended to read:
§ 4230a. MARIJUANA POSSESSION BY A PERSON 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER.
(2)(A) A person shall not consume marijuana in a public place. “Public place” means any street, alley, park, sidewalk, public building other than individual dwellings, any place of public accommodation as defined in 9 V.S.A. § 4501, and any place where the use or possession of a lighted tobacco product, tobacco product, or tobacco substitute as defined in 7 V.S.A. § 1001 is prohibited by law.
(i) not more than $100.00 for a first offense; (ii) not more than $200.00 for a second offense; and (iii) not more than $500.00 for a third or subsequent offense (b)(1) Marijuana possessed or consumed in violation of State law is contraband pursuant to subsection 4242(d) of this title and subject to seizure and forfeiture.
(A) exempt a person from arrest, citation, or prosecution for being under the influence of marijuana while operating a vehicle of any kind or for consuming marijuana while operating a motor vehicle; (B) repeal or modify existing laws or policies concerning the operation of vehicles of any kind while under the influence of marijuana or for consuming marijuana while operating a motor vehicle; (C) limit the authority of primary and secondary schools to impose administrative penalties for the possession of marijuana on school property; (D) prohibit a municipality from adopting a civil ordinance to provide additional penalties for consumption of marijuana in a public place; (E) prohibit a landlord from banning possession or use of marijuana in a lease agreement; or (F) allow an inmate of a correctional facility to possess or use marijuana or to limit the authority of law enforcement, the courts, the Department of Corrections, or the Parole Board to impose penalties on offenders who use marijuana in violation of a court order, conditions of furlough, parole, or rules of a correctional facility.
(A) the officer has reasonable grounds to believe the person has violated subsection (a) of this section; and (B) the person refuses to identify himself or herself satisfactorily to the officer when requested by the officer.
(f)(d) Fifty percent of the civil penalties imposed by the Judicial Bureau for violations of this section shall be deposited in the Drug Task Force Special Fund, hereby created to be managed pursuant to 32 V.S.A. chapter 7, subchapter 5, and available to the Department of Public Safety for the funding of law enforcement officers on the Drug Task Force, except for a $12.50 administrative charge for each violation which shall be deposited in the Court Technology Special Fund, in accordance with 13 V.S.A. § 7252. The remaining 50 percent shall be deposited in the Youth Substance Abuse Safety Program Special Fund, hereby created to be managed pursuant to 32 V.S.A.
chapter 7, subchapter 5, and available to the Court Diversion Program for funding of the Youth Substance Abuse Safety Program as required by section 4230b of this title.
(1) require an employer to permit or accommodate the use, consumption, possession, transfer, display, transportation, sale, or growing of marijuana in the workplace; (2) prevent an employer from adopting a policy that prohibits the use of marijuana in the workplace; (3) create a cause of action against an employer that discharges an employee for violating a policy that restricts or prohibits the use of marijuana by employees; or (4) prevent an employer from prohibiting or otherwise regulating the use, consumption, possession, transfer, display, transportation, sale, or growing of marijuana on the employer’s premises.
Sec. 5. 18 V.S.A. § 4230b is amended to read:
§ 4230b. MARIJUANA POSSESSION BY A PERSON UNDER 21 YEARS OF AGE; CIVIL VIOLATION.
(1) a civil penalty of $300.00 and suspension of the person’s operator’s license and privilege to operate a motor vehicle for a period of 30 days, for a first offense; and (2) a civil penalty of not more than $600.00 and suspension of the person’s operator’s license and privilege to operate a motor vehicle for a period of 90 days, for a second or subsequent offense.
* * * Sec. 6. REPEAL 18 V.S.A. § 4230d (marijuana possession by a person under 16 years of age; delinquency) is repealed.
Sec. 7. 18 V.S.A. § 4230e is added to read:
§ 4230e. CULTIVATION OF MARIJUANA BY A PERSON 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER (a)(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person 21 years of age or older who cultivates no more than two mature marijuana plants and four immature marijuana plants shall not be penalized or sanctioned in any manner by the State or any of its political subdivisions or denied any right or privilege under State law.
(2) Each dwelling unit shall be limited to two mature marijuana plants and four immature marijuana plants regardless of how many persons 21 years of age or older reside in the dwelling unit. As used in this section, “dwelling unit” means a building or the part of a building that is used as a primary home, residence, or sleeping place by one or more persons who maintain a household.
(A) on property lawfully in possession of the cultivator or with the consent of the person in lawful possession of the property; and (B) in an enclosure that is screened from public view and is secure so that access is limited to the cultivator and persons 21 years of age or older who have permission from the cultivator.
(A) not more than $100.00 for a first offense; (B) not more than $200.00 for a second offense; and (C) not more than $500.00 for a third or subsequent offense.
Sec. 8. 18 V.S.A. § 4230f is added to read:
§ 4230f. DISPENSING MARIJUANA TO A PERSON UNDER 21 YEARS OF AGE; CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
(1) dispense marijuana to a person under 21 years of age; or (2) knowingly enable the consumption of marijuana by a person under 21 years of age.
(b) As used in this section, “enable the consumption of marijuana” means creating a direct and immediate opportunity for a person to consume marijuana.
(e)(1) Subsections (a)–(d) of this section shall not apply to a person under 21 years of age who dispenses marijuana to a person under 21 years of age or who knowingly enables the consumption of marijuana by a person under 21 years of age.
(3) A person 18, 19, or 20 years of age who knowingly dispenses to a person under 18 years of age who is at least three years that person’s junior shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not more than five years in accordance with section 4237 of this title.
(f) This section shall not apply to a dispensary that lawfully provides marijuana to a registered patient or caregiver pursuant to chapter 86 of this title.
(g) The provisions of this section do not limit or restrict the prosecution for other offenses arising out of the same conduct, nor shall they limit or restrict defenses under common law.
Sec. 9. 18 V.S.A. § 4230g is added to read:
§ 4230g. DISPENSING MARIJUANA TO A PERSON UNDER 21 YEARS OF AGE; CIVIL ACTION FOR DAMAGES.
(a) A spouse, child, guardian, employer, or other person who is injured in person, property, or means of support by a person under 21 years of age who is impaired by marijuana, or in consequence of the impairment by marijuana of any person under 21 years of age, shall have a right of action in his or her own name, jointly or severally, against any person or persons who have caused in whole or in part such impairment by knowingly dispensing marijuana to a person under 21 years of age or enabling the consumption of marijuana by a person under 21 years of age.
(b) Upon the death of either party, the action and right of action shall survive to or against the party’s executor or administrator. The party injured or his or her legal representatives may bring either a joint action against the impaired person under 21 years of age and the person or persons who knowingly dispensed the marijuana or enabled the consumption of the marijuana, or a separate action against either or any of them.
(f) A person who knowingly dispenses marijuana to a person under 21 years of age or who enables consumption of marijuana by a person under 21 years of age may be held liable under this section if the person knew, or a reasonable person in the same circumstances would have known, that the person who received the marijuana was under 21 years of age.
Sec. 10. 18 V.S.A. § 4230h is added to read:
§ 4230h. CHEMICAL EXTRACTION VIA BUTANE OR HEXANE PROHIBITED.
Sec. 11. 18 V.S.A. § 4230i is added to read:
§ 4230i. EXCEPTIONS.
(1) not more than $200.00 for a first offense; (2) not more than $300.00 for a second offense; (3) not more than $500.00 for a third or subsequent offense.
(1) more than one ounce, but not more than two ounces of marijuana; (2) more than five grams, but not more than 10 grams of hashish; or (3) not more than six mature marijuana plants and 12 immature marijuana plants.
Sec. 12. 18 V.S.A. § 4476 is amended to read:
§ 4476. OFFENSES AND PENALTIES.
(a) A person who sells drug paraphernalia to a person under 18 years of age shall be imprisoned for not more than two years, or fined not more than $2,000.00, or both.
(b) The distribution and possession of needles and syringes as part of an organized community-based needle exchange program shall not be a violation of this section or of chapter 84 of this title.
Sec. 13. 23 V.S.A. § 1134 is amended to read:
§ 1134. MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATOR; CONSUMPTION OR POSSESSION OF ALCOHOL OR MARIJUANA.
(a) A person shall not consume an alcoholic beverage or marijuana while operating a motor vehicle on a public highway. As used in this subsection, the prohibition on consumption of marijuana by the operator shall extend to the operator’s consumption of secondhand marijuana smoke in the vehicle as a result of another person’s consumption of marijuana.  (b) A person operating a motor vehicle on a public highway shall not possess any open container which contains an alcoholic beverages beverage or marijuana in the passenger area of the motor vehicle.
(1) “Alcoholic beverage” shall have the same meaning as “intoxicating liquor” as defined in section 1200 of this title.
(2) "Passenger area” shall mean the area designed to seat the operator and passengers while the motor vehicle is in operation and any area that is readily accessible to the operator or passengers while in their seating positions, including the glove compartment, unless the glove compartment is locked. In a motor vehicle that is not equipped with a trunk, the term shall exclude the area behind the last upright seat or any area not normally occupied by the operator or passengers.
(d) A person who violates subsection (a) of this section shall be assessed a civil penalty of not more than $500.00. A person who possesses an open container which contains an alcoholic beverage in violation of subsection (b) of this section shall be assessed a civil penalty of not more than $25.00. A person who possesses an open container which contains marijuana in violation of subsection (b) of this section shall be assessed a civil penalty of not more than $200.00. A person adjudicated and assessed a civil penalty for an offense under subsection (a) of this section shall not be subject to a civil violation for the same actions under subsection (b) of this section.
Sec. 14. 23 V.S.A. § 1134a is amended to read:
§ 1134a. MOTOR VEHICLE PASSENGER; CONSUMPTION OR POSSESSION OF ALCOHOL OR MARIJUANA.
(a) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a passenger in a motor vehicle shall not consume an alcoholic beverage or marijuana in the passenger area of any motor vehicle on a public highway. (b) A passenger in a motor vehicle shall not possess any open container which contains an alcoholic beverage or marijuana in the passenger area of the motor vehicle.
(e) A person who violates consumes an alcoholic beverage or possesses an open container which contains an alcoholic beverage in violation of this section shall be fined assessed a civil penalty of not more than $25.00.
A person who consumes marijuana or possesses an open container which contains marijuana in violation of this section shall be assessed a civil penalty of not more than $200.00.
Sec. 15. 23 V.S.A. § 1134b is amended to read:
§ 1134b. SMOKING USING TOBACCO OR MARIJUANA IN A MOTOR VEHICLE WITH CHILD PRESENT.
(a) A person shall not possess a lighted tobacco product or use a tobacco substitute as defined in 7 V.S.A. § 1001 in a motor vehicle that is occupied by a child required to be properly restrained in a federally approved child passenger restraining system pursuant to subdivision 1258(a)(1) or (2) of this title.
(b) A person shall not use marijuana as defined in 18 V.S.A. § 4201 in a motor vehicle that is occupied by a child under 18 years of age.
(c)(1) A person who violates subsection (a) of this section shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $100.00 and no points shall be assessed.
(2) A person who violates subsection (b) of this section commits a misdemeanor crime and shall be subject to the following penalties:
(A) a fine of not more than $500.00 for a first offense; (B) a fine of not more than $750.00 for a second offense; (C) a fine of not more than $1,000.00 for a third or subsequent offense.
Sec. 16. 33 V.S.A. § 3504 is amended to read:
§ 3504. MARIJUANA AND TOBACCO USE PROHIBITED AT CHILD CARE FACILITIES.
(a) No person shall be permitted to use marijuana as defined in 18 V.S.A.
§ 4201 or to cultivate marijuana, or use tobacco products or tobacco substitutes as defined in 7 V.S.A. § 1001 on the premises, both indoor and outdoor, of any licensed child care center or afterschool program at any time.
(b) No person shall be permitted to use marijuana as defined in 18 V.S.A.
§ 4201, tobacco products, or tobacco substitutes as defined in 7 V.S.A. § 1001 on the premises, both indoors and in any outdoor area designated for child care, of a licensed or registered family child care home while children are present and in care. If use of marijuana or smoking of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes occurs on the premises during other times, the family child care home shall notify prospective families prior to enrolling a child in the family child care home that their child will be exposed to an environment in which marijuana, tobacco products, or tobacco substitutes, are used.
Cultivation of marijuana in a licensed or registered family child care home is not permitted.
(c) A person who knowingly uses or cultivates marijuana in violation of this section commits a misdemeanor crime and shall be subject to the following penalties:
(1) a fine of not more than $500.00 for a first offense; (2) a fine of not more than $750.00 for a second offense; (3) a fine of not more than $1,000.00 for a third or subsequent offense.
Sec. 17. DISPARITIES IN ENFORCEMENT OF DRUG LAWS; MARIJUANA REGULATORY COMMISSION.
(1) A 2013 report by the American Civil Liberties Union, The War on Marijuana in Black and White, identified Vermont as 15th in the country and first in New England when comparing discrepancies in citation and arrest rates for marijuana possession. The report stated that African-Americans in Vermont were 4.36 times more likely to be cited or arrested for marijuana possession than whites, higher than the national average of African-Americans being 3.73 more likely than whites to be cited or arrested for marijuana possession. Although Vermont later decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana, a 2016 report by Human Rights Watch and the ACLU, Every 25 Seconds: The Human Toll of Criminalizing Drug Use in the United States, found that Vermont had the third-highest racial disparity in drug possession arrest rates in the country despite nearly identical use rates.
(2) In the report, Driving While Black or Brown in Vermont, University of Vermont researchers, examining 2015 data from 29 police agencies covering 78 percent of Vermont’s population, found significant disparities in how often African-Americans and Hispanics are stopped, searched, and arrested, as compared to whites and Asians. According to the report, AfricanAmerican drivers are four times more likely than white drivers to be searched by Vermont police, even though they are less likely to be found with illegal items.
(5) In November 2016, voters in Massachusetts and Maine approved possession and cultivation of marijuana for personal use by adults 21 years of age or older. In July 2018, both states will begin to allow retail sales of marijuana and marijuana-infused products through licensed stores. Canada is expected to act favorably on legislation legalizing marijuana possession and cultivation for adults 18 years of age or older and federal administration officials have cited the summer of 2018 as the date at which licensed retail stores will begin selling marijuana and marijuana-infused products to the public.
(6) By adopting a comprehensive regulatory structure for legalizing and licensing the marijuana market, Vermont can revise drug laws that have a disparate impact on racial minorities, help prevent access to marijuana by youths, better control the safety and quality of marijuana being consumed by Vermonters, substantially reduce the illegal marijuana market, and use revenues to support substance use prevention and education and enforcement of impaired driving laws.
(b) Creation. There is created the Marijuana Regulatory Commission.
(c) Membership. The Commission shall be composed of the following 14 members:
(1) two current members of the House of Representatives who shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House; (2) two current members of the Senate who shall be appointed by the Committee on Committees; (3) a member appointed by the Speaker of the House; (4) a member appointed by the Committee on Committees; (5) the Commissioner of Public Safety or designee; (6) the Commissioner of Health or designee; (7) the Commissioner of Taxes or designee; (8) the Secretary of Commerce and Community Development or designee; (9) the Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets or designee; (10) one member appointed by the Governor; (11) the Attorney General or designee; and (12) the Defender General or designee.
(d) Powers and duties. The Commission shall issue a report of its findings and recommendations and develop legislation that establishes a comprehensive regulatory and revenue system for an adult-use marijuana market that, when compared to the current illegal marijuana market, increases public safety and reduces harm to public health, and results in net revenue to the State.
(e) Best practices. The Commission shall examine best practices for addressing:
(1) impaired driving, including consideration of a regional impairment threshold for the New England states and parity in impaired driving laws and penalties; (2) prevention and education related to marijuana use, access to marijuana by persons under 21 years of age, impacts to public health, and consumer safety issues such as use of pesticides, GMOs, and testing of marijuana in a regulated market; (3) regulation and taxation of a commercial adult-use marijuana market that is economically sustainable, reduces the illegal marijuana market, results in net revenues to the State after appropriate costs for education, public health and public safety have been deducted; and (4) liability issues, including consideration of federal law, banking, landlords, and insurance.
(f) Subcommittees. The Commission may establish subcommittees for the purpose of carrying out its charge and may consult with stakeholders and interested parties, as appropriate.
(g) Assistance. The Commission shall have the administrative, technical, and legal assistance of the Office of the Governor, the Secretary of Administration, and relevant administrative agencies and departments. The Office of Legislative Council shall provide legal assistance to the legislative members of the Commission and drafting services to the entire Commission for the purpose of developing the legislation required by subsection (d) of this section.
(h) Report and legislation.
(1) On or before January 15, 2018, the Commission shall provide the General Assembly and the Governor with an interim report and recommended legislation that shall address at a minimum:
(A) public safety recommendations to address impaired driving; (B) requirements and funding for statewide evidence-based youth prevention programs; (C) any recommended changes to the civil action for damages established in 18 V.S.A. § 4230g; and (D) any recommended changes to the definitions of “open container” and “passenger area” as used in 23 V.S.A. §§ 1134 and 1134a.
(2) On or before December 31, 2018, the Commission shall provide the General Assembly and the Governor with its final report and recommended legislation on implementing and operating a comprehensive regulatory and revenue system for an adult marijuana market.
(1) The Governor shall call the first meeting of the Commission to occur on or before August 1, 2017.
(2) The Commission shall elect a chair from among its members at the first meeting.
(3) A majority of the membership shall constitute a quorum.
(4) The Commission shall cease to exist on March 15, 2019.
(1) For attendance at meetings during adjournment of the General Assembly, legislative members of the Commission shall be entitled to per diem compensation and reimbursement of expenses pursuant to 2 V.S.A. § 406 for no more than six meetings.
(2) Other members of the Commission who are not employees of the State of Vermont and who are not otherwise compensated or reimbursed for their attendance shall be entitled to per diem compensation and reimbursement of expenses pursuant to 32 V.S.A. § 1010.
Sec. 18. EFFECTIVE DATES This section and Sec. 17 shall take effect on passage and the remaining sections shall take effect on July 1, 2018.
“An act relating to eliminating penalties for possession of limited amounts of marijuana by adults 21 years of age or older”
Signed by Governor on January 22, 2018
Delivered to the Governor on January 16, 2018
Senate Message, House proposal of amendment concurred in
House message House concurred in Senate proposal of amendment with proposal of amendment
Roll Call Results Passed -- Needed 73 of 144 to Pass -- Yeas = 81, Nays = 63
Rep. Gage of Rutland City asked and was granted leave to withdraw amendment
Rep. Gage of Rutland City moved to amend the amendment offered by Rep. Conquest of Newbury
Rep. Dickinson of St. Albans Town moved to amend the amendment offered by Rep. Conquest of Newbury
Roll Call Results Failed -- Needed 73 of 144 to Pass -- Yeas = 59, Nays = 85
Rep. Browning of Arlington moved to amend the amendment offered by Rep. Conquest of Newbury
Rep. Bancroft of Westford moved to amend the amendment offered by Rep. Conquest of Newbury
Roll Call Results Failed -- Needed 73 of 145 to Pass -- Yeas = 60, Nays = 85
Roll Call Results Failed -- Needed 73 of 144 to Pass -- Yeas = 58, Nays = 86
Rep. Donahue of Northfield moved to amend the amendment offered by Rep. Conquest of Newbury
Roll Call Results Failed -- Needed 74 of 146 to Pass -- Yeas = 32, Nays = 114
Rep. Turner of Milton moved to amend the amendment offered by Rep. Conquest of Newbury
Roll Call Results Failed -- Needed 74 of 146 to Pass -- Yeas = 55, Nays = 91
Rep. Turner of Milton raised a Point of Order
Senate Proposal of Amendment considered
Rep. Savage of Swanton moved to postpone action until January 18, 2018
Roll Call Results Failed -- Needed 73 of 145 to Pass -- Yeas = 62, Nays = 83
Rep. Conquest of Newbury moved to concur in the Senate prop of amend with a further amend thereto
Rep. Harrison of Chittenden moved to amend the amendment offered by Rep. Conquest of Newbury
Rep. Till of Jericho moved to amend the amendment offered by Rep. Conquest of Newbury
Rep. Sibilia of Dover raised a Point of Order
Rep. Till of Jericho asked and was granted leave to withdraw amendment
Motion to suspend rules as moved by Rep. Krowinski of Burlington disagreed to
Roll Call Results Failed -- Needed 106 of 141 to Pass -- Yeas = 78, Nays = 63
Rules suspended & bill placed on all remaining stages of passage, on motion of Senator Sears
Senate Message, passed in Concurrence with proposal of amendment
Rules suspended & taken up for immediate consideration, on motion of Senator Sears
Rep. McCullough of Williston asked and was granted leave to withdraw amendment
Rep. McCullough of Williston moved to amend the bill
Rep. Lippert of Hinesburg moved to amend the bill
Rep. Donahue of Northfield moved to amend the bill
Rep. Helm of Fair Haven recommended for the committee on Appropriations
Rep. Brennan of Colchester spoke for the committee on Transportation
Committee Bill read first time
http://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2018/H.511
http://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/loadBillDetailedStatus/2018/1183
http://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/loadBillRollCalls/2018/1183
Sec. 1. LEGISLATIVE INTENT; CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES. It is the intent of the General Assembly to eliminate all penalties for possession of one ounce or less of marijuana and two mature and four immature marijuana plants for a person who is 21 years of age or older while retaining criminal penalties for possession, dispensing, and sale of larger amounts of marijuana. Sec. 3. 18 V.S.A. § 4230 is amended to read: § 4230. MARIJUANA. (a) Possession and cultivation. (1)(A) No person shall knowingly and unlawfully possess more than one ounce of marijuana or more than five grams of hashish or cultivate more than two mature marijuana plants or four immature marijuana plants. For a first offense under this subdivision (A), a person shall be provided the opportunity to participate in the Court Diversion Program unless the prosecutor states on the record why a referral to the Court Diversion Program would not serve the ends of justice. A person convicted of a first offense under this subdivision shall be imprisoned not more than six months or fined not more than $500.00, or both. (B) A person convicted of a second or subsequent offense of knowingly and unlawfully possessing more than one ounce of marijuana or more than five grams of hashish or cultivating more than two mature marijuana plants or four immature marijuana plants shall be imprisoned not more than two years or fined not more than $2,000.00, or both. (C) Upon an adjudication of guilt for a first or second offense under this subdivision, the court may defer sentencing as provided in 13 V.S.A. § 7041 except that the court may in its discretion defer sentence without the filing of a presentence investigation report and except that sentence may be imposed at any time within two years from and after the date of entry of deferment. The court may, prior to sentencing, order that the defendant submit to a drug assessment screening which may be considered at sentencing in the same manner as a presentence report. (2) A person knowingly and unlawfully possessing two ounces of marijuana or 10 grams of hashish or knowingly and unlawfully cultivating more than four mature marijuana plants or eight immature marijuana plants shall be imprisoned not more than three years or fined not more than $10,000.00, or both. (3) A person knowingly and unlawfully possessing more than one pound or more of marijuana or more than 2.8 ounces of hashish or knowingly and unlawfully cultivating more than 10 plants of six mature marijuana plants or 12 immature marijuana plants shall be imprisoned not more than five years or fined not more than $10,000.00, or both. (4) A person knowingly and unlawfully possessing more than 10 pounds of marijuana or more than one pound of hashish or knowingly and unlawfully cultivating more than 12 mature marijuana plants or 24 immature marijuana plants shall be imprisoned not more than 15 years or fined not more than $500,000.00, or both. (5) If a court fails to provide the defendant with notice of collateral consequences in accordance with 13 V.S.A. § 8005(b) and the defendant later at any time shows that the plea and conviction for a violation of this subsection may have or has had a negative consequence, the court, upon the defendant’s motion, shall vacate the judgment and permit the defendant to withdraw the plea or admission and enter a plea of not guilty. Failure of the court to advise the defendant of a particular collateral consequence shall not support a motion to vacate. (6) The amounts of marijuana in this subsection shall not include marijuana cultivated, harvested, and stored in accordance with section 4230e of this title. * * * Sec. 4. 18 V.S.A. § 4230a is amended to read: § 4230a. MARIJUANA POSSESSION BY A PERSON 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER. (a)(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person 21 years of age or older who possesses one ounce or less of marijuana or five grams or less of hashish and two mature marijuana plants or fewer or four immature marijuana plants or fewer or who possesses paraphernalia for marijuana use shall not be penalized or sanctioned in any manner by the State or any of its political subdivisions or denied any right or privilege under State law. The one-ounce limit of marijuana or five grams of hashish that may be possessed by a person 21 years of age or older shall not include marijuana cultivated, harvested, and stored in accordance with section 4230e of this title. (2)(A) A person shall not consume marijuana in a public place. “Public place” means any street, alley, park, sidewalk, public building other than individual dwellings, any place of public accommodation as defined in 9 V.S.A. § 4501, and any place where the use or possession of a lighted tobacco product, tobacco product, or tobacco substitute as defined in 7 V.S.A. § 1001 is prohibited by law. (B) A person who violates this subdivision (a)(2) shall be assessed a civil penalty as follows: (i) not more than $100.00 for a first offense; (ii) not more than $200.00 for a second offense; and (iii) not more than $500.00 for a third or subsequent offense (b)(1) Marijuana possessed or consumed in violation of State law is contraband pursuant to subsection 4242(d) of this title and subject to seizure and forfeiture. (2) This section does not: (A) exempt a person from arrest, citation, or prosecution for being under the influence of marijuana while operating a vehicle of any kind or for consuming marijuana while operating a motor vehicle; (B) repeal or modify existing laws or policies concerning the operation of vehicles of any kind while under the influence of marijuana or for consuming marijuana while operating a motor vehicle; (C) limit the authority of primary and secondary schools to impose administrative penalties for the possession of marijuana on school property; (D) prohibit a municipality from adopting a civil ordinance to provide additional penalties for consumption of marijuana in a public place; (E) prohibit a landlord from banning possession or use of marijuana in a lease agreement; or (F) allow an inmate of a correctional facility to possess or use marijuana or to limit the authority of law enforcement, the courts, the Department of Corrections, or the Parole Board to impose penalties on offenders who use marijuana in violation of a court order, conditions of furlough, parole, or rules of a correctional facility. (e)(c)(1) A law enforcement officer is authorized to detain a person if: (A) the officer has reasonable grounds to believe the person has violated subsection (a) of this section; and (B) the person refuses to identify himself or herself satisfactorily to the officer when requested by the officer. (2) The person may be detained only until the person identifies himself or herself satisfactorily to the officer or is properly identified. If the officer is unable to obtain the identification information, the person shall forthwith be brought before a judge in the Criminal Division of the Superior Court for that purpose. A person who refuses to identify himself or herself to the Court on request shall immediately and without service of an order on the person be subject to civil contempt proceedings pursuant to 12 V.S.A. § 122. (f)(d) Fifty percent of the civil penalties imposed by the Judicial Bureau for violations of this section shall be deposited in the Drug Task Force Special Fund, hereby created to be managed pursuant to 32 V.S.A. chapter 7, subchapter 5, and available to the Department of Public Safety for the funding of law enforcement officers on the Drug Task Force, except for a $12.50 administrative charge for each violation which shall be deposited in the Court Technology Special Fund, in accordance with 13 V.S.A. § 7252. The remaining 50 percent shall be deposited in the Youth Substance Abuse Safety Program Special Fund, hereby created to be managed pursuant to 32 V.S.A. chapter 7, subchapter 5, and available to the Court Diversion Program for funding of the Youth Substance Abuse Safety Program as required by section 4230b of this title. (e) Nothing in this section shall be construed to do any of the following: (1) require an employer to permit or accommodate the use, consumption, possession, transfer, display, transportation, sale, or growing of marijuana in the workplace; (2) prevent an employer from adopting a policy that prohibits the use of marijuana in the workplace; (3) create a cause of action against an employer that discharges an employee for violating a policy that restricts or prohibits the use of marijuana by employees; or (4) prevent an employer from prohibiting or otherwise regulating the use, consumption, possession, transfer, display, transportation, sale, or growing of marijuana on the employer’s premises. Sec. 5. 18 V.S.A. § 4230b is amended to read: § 4230b. MARIJUANA POSSESSION BY A PERSON UNDER 21 YEARS OF AGE; CIVIL VIOLATION. (a) Offense. A person under 21 years of age who knowingly and unlawfully possesses one ounce or less of marijuana or five grams or less of hashish or two mature marijuana plants or fewer or four immature marijuana plants or fewer commits a civil violation and shall be referred to the Court Diversion Program for the purpose of enrollment in the Youth Substance Abuse Safety Program. A person who fails to complete the program successfully shall be subject to: (1) a civil penalty of $300.00 and suspension of the person’s operator’s license and privilege to operate a motor vehicle for a period of 30 days, for a first offense; and (2) a civil penalty of not more than $600.00 and suspension of the person’s operator’s license and privilege to operate a motor vehicle for a period of 90 days, for a second or subsequent offense. * * * Sec. 6. REPEAL 18 V.S.A. § 4230d (marijuana possession by a person under 16 years of age; delinquency) is repealed. Sec. 7. 18 V.S.A. § 4230e is added to read: § 4230e. CULTIVATION OF MARIJUANA BY A PERSON 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER (a)(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person 21 years of age or older who cultivates no more than two mature marijuana plants and four immature marijuana plants shall not be penalized or sanctioned in any manner by the State or any of its political subdivisions or denied any right or privilege under State law. (2) Each dwelling unit shall be limited to two mature marijuana plants and four immature marijuana plants regardless of how many persons 21 years of age or older reside in the dwelling unit. As used in this section, “dwelling unit” means a building or the part of a building that is used as a primary home, residence, or sleeping place by one or more persons who maintain a household. (3) Any marijuana harvested from the plants allowed pursuant to this subsection shall not count toward the one-ounce possession limit in section 4230a of this title provided it is stored in an indoor facility on the property where the marijuana was cultivated and reasonable precautions are taken to prevent unauthorized access to the marijuana. (4) Cultivation in excess of the limits provided in this subsection shall be punished in accordance with section 4230 of this title. (b)(1) Personal cultivation of marijuana only shall occur: (A) on property lawfully in possession of the cultivator or with the consent of the person in lawful possession of the property; and (B) in an enclosure that is screened from public view and is secure so that access is limited to the cultivator and persons 21 years of age or older who have permission from the cultivator. (2) A person who violates this subsection shall be assessed a civil penalty as follows: (A) not more than $100.00 for a first offense; (B) not more than $200.00 for a second offense; and (C) not more than $500.00 for a third or subsequent offense. Sec. 8. 18 V.S.A. § 4230f is added to read: § 4230f. DISPENSING MARIJUANA TO A PERSON UNDER 21 YEARS OF AGE; CRIMINAL OFFENSE. (a) No person shall: (1) dispense marijuana to a person under 21 years of age; or (2) knowingly enable the consumption of marijuana by a person under 21 years of age. (b) As used in this section, “enable the consumption of marijuana” means creating a direct and immediate opportunity for a person to consume marijuana. (c) Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, a person who violates subsection (a) of this section shall be imprisoned not more than two years or fined not more than $2,000.00, or both. (d) A person who violates subsection (a) of this section, where the person under 21 years of age while operating a motor vehicle on a public highway causes death or serious bodily injury to himself or herself or to another person as a result of the violation, shall be imprisoned not more than five years or fined not more than $10,000.00, or both. (e)(1) Subsections (a)–(d) of this section shall not apply to a person under 21 years of age who dispenses marijuana to a person under 21 years of age or who knowingly enables the consumption of marijuana by a person under 21 years of age. (2) A person who is 18, 19, or 20 years of age who knowingly dispenses marijuana to a person who is 18, 19, or 20 years of age commits a civil violation and shall be referred to the Court Diversion Program for the purpose of enrollment in the Youth Substance Abuse Safety Program in accordance with the provisions of section 4230b of this title and shall be subject to the penalties in that section for failure to complete the program successfully. (3) A person 18, 19, or 20 years of age who knowingly dispenses to a person under 18 years of age who is at least three years that person’s junior shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not more than five years in accordance with section 4237 of this title. (4) A person who is 19 years of age who knowingly dispenses to a person 17 years of age or a person who is 18 years of age who knowingly dispenses marijuana to a person who is 16 or 17 years of age commits a misdemeanor crime and shall be fined not more than $500.00. (5) A person who is under 18 years of age who knowingly dispenses marijuana to another person who is under 18 years of age commits a delinquent act and shall be subject to 33 V.S.A. chapter 52. (f) This section shall not apply to a dispensary that lawfully provides marijuana to a registered patient or caregiver pursuant to chapter 86 of this title. (g) The provisions of this section do not limit or restrict the prosecution for other offenses arising out of the same conduct, nor shall they limit or restrict defenses under common law. Sec. 9. 18 V.S.A. § 4230g is added to read: § 4230g. DISPENSING MARIJUANA TO A PERSON UNDER 21 YEARS OF AGE; CIVIL ACTION FOR DAMAGES. (a) A spouse, child, guardian, employer, or other person who is injured in person, property, or means of support by a person under 21 years of age who is impaired by marijuana, or in consequence of the impairment by marijuana of any person under 21 years of age, shall have a right of action in his or her own name, jointly or severally, against any person or persons who have caused in whole or in part such impairment by knowingly dispensing marijuana to a person under 21 years of age or enabling the consumption of marijuana by a person under 21 years of age. (b) Upon the death of either party, the action and right of action shall survive to or against the party’s executor or administrator. The party injured or his or her legal representatives may bring either a joint action against the impaired person under 21 years of age and the person or persons who knowingly dispensed the marijuana or enabled the consumption of the marijuana, or a separate action against either or any of them. (c) An action to recover for damages under this section shall be commenced within two years after the cause of action accrues, and not after. (d) In an action brought under this section, evidence of responsible actions taken or not taken is admissible if otherwise relevant. (e) A defendant in an action brought under this section has a right of contribution from any other responsible person or persons, which may be enforced in a separate action brought for that purpose. (f) A person who knowingly dispenses marijuana to a person under 21 years of age or who enables consumption of marijuana by a person under 21 years of age may be held liable under this section if the person knew, or a reasonable person in the same circumstances would have known, that the person who received the marijuana was under 21 years of age. Sec. 10. 18 V.S.A. § 4230h is added to read: § 4230h. CHEMICAL EXTRACTION VIA BUTANE OR HEXANE PROHIBITED. (a) No person shall manufacture concentrated marijuana by chemical extraction or chemical synthesis using butane or hexane unless authorized as a dispensary pursuant to a registration issued by the Department of Public Safety pursuant to chapter 86 of this title. (b) A person who violates subsection (a) of this section shall be imprisoned not more than two years or fined not more than $2,000.00, or both. A person who violates subsection (a) of this section and causes serious bodily injury to another person shall be imprisoned not more than five years or fined not more than $5,000.00, or both. Sec. 11. 18 V.S.A. § 4230i is added to read: § 4230i. EXCEPTIONS. (a) A person who is convicted of a felony for selling marijuana in violation of section 4230 of this title or selling a regulated drug to minors or on school grounds in violation of section 4237 of this title for an offense that occurred on or after July 1, 2018 and who possesses one ounce or less of marijuana or five grams or less of hashish commits a civil violation and shall be assessed a civil penalty as follows: (1) not more than $200.00 for a first offense; (2) not more than $300.00 for a second offense; (3) not more than $500.00 for a third or subsequent offense. (b) A person who is convicted of a felony for selling marijuana in violation of section 4230 of this title or selling a regulated drug to minors or on school grounds in violation of section 4237 of this title for an offense that occurred on or after July 1, 2018 and who possesses any of the following commits a misdemeanor and is subject to imprisonment of not more than one year or a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or both: (1) more than one ounce, but not more than two ounces of marijuana; (2) more than five grams, but not more than 10 grams of hashish; or (3) not more than six mature marijuana plants and 12 immature marijuana plants. Sec. 12. 18 V.S.A. § 4476 is amended to read: § 4476. OFFENSES AND PENALTIES. (a) A person who sells drug paraphernalia to a person under 18 years of age shall be imprisoned for not more than two years, or fined not more than $2,000.00, or both. (b) The distribution and possession of needles and syringes as part of an organized community-based needle exchange program shall not be a violation of this section or of chapter 84 of this title. Sec. 13. 23 V.S.A. § 1134 is amended to read: § 1134. MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATOR; CONSUMPTION OR POSSESSION OF ALCOHOL OR MARIJUANA. (a) A person shall not consume an alcoholic beverage or marijuana while operating a motor vehicle on a public highway. As used in this subsection, the prohibition on consumption of marijuana by the operator shall extend to the operator’s consumption of secondhand marijuana smoke in the vehicle as a result of another person’s consumption of marijuana. (b) A person operating a motor vehicle on a public highway shall not possess any open container which contains an alcoholic beverages beverage or marijuana in the passenger area of the motor vehicle. (c) As used in this section,: (1) “Alcoholic beverage” shall have the same meaning as “intoxicating liquor” as defined in section 1200 of this title. (2) "Passenger area” shall mean the area designed to seat the operator and passengers while the motor vehicle is in operation and any area that is readily accessible to the operator or passengers while in their seating positions, including the glove compartment, unless the glove compartment is locked. In a motor vehicle that is not equipped with a trunk, the term shall exclude the area behind the last upright seat or any area not normally occupied by the operator or passengers. (d) A person who violates subsection (a) of this section shall be assessed a civil penalty of not more than $500.00. A person who possesses an open container which contains an alcoholic beverage in violation of subsection (b) of this section shall be assessed a civil penalty of not more than $25.00. A person who possesses an open container which contains marijuana in violation of subsection (b) of this section shall be assessed a civil penalty of not more than $200.00. A person adjudicated and assessed a civil penalty for an offense under subsection (a) of this section shall not be subject to a civil violation for the same actions under subsection (b) of this section. Sec. 14. 23 V.S.A. § 1134a is amended to read: § 1134a. MOTOR VEHICLE PASSENGER; CONSUMPTION OR POSSESSION OF ALCOHOL OR MARIJUANA. (a) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a passenger in a motor vehicle shall not consume an alcoholic beverage or marijuana in the passenger area of any motor vehicle on a public highway. (b) A passenger in a motor vehicle shall not possess any open container which contains an alcoholic beverage or marijuana in the passenger area of the motor vehicle. (c) As used in this section,: (1) “Alcoholic beverage” shall have the same meaning as “intoxicating liquor” as defined in section 1200 of this title. (2) “Passenger area” shall mean the area designed to seat the operator and passengers while the motor vehicle is in operation and any area that is readily accessible to the operator or passengers while in their seating positions, including the glove compartment, unless the glove compartment is locked. In a motor vehicle that is not equipped with a trunk, the term shall exclude the area behind the last upright seat or any area not normally occupied by the operator or passengers. (d) A person, other than the operator, may possess an open container which contains an alcoholic beverage in the passenger area of a motor vehicle designed, maintained, or used primarily for the transportation of persons for compensation or in the living quarters of a motor home or trailer coach. (e) A person who violates consumes an alcoholic beverage or possesses an open container which contains an alcoholic beverage in violation of this section shall be fined assessed a civil penalty of not more than $25.00. A person who consumes marijuana or possesses an open container which contains marijuana in violation of this section shall be assessed a civil penalty of not more than $200.00. Sec. 15. 23 V.S.A. § 1134b is amended to read: § 1134b. SMOKING USING TOBACCO OR MARIJUANA IN A MOTOR VEHICLE WITH CHILD PRESENT. (a) A person shall not possess a lighted tobacco product or use a tobacco substitute as defined in 7 V.S.A. § 1001 in a motor vehicle that is occupied by a child required to be properly restrained in a federally approved child passenger restraining system pursuant to subdivision 1258(a)(1) or (2) of this title. (b) A person shall not use marijuana as defined in 18 V.S.A. § 4201 in a motor vehicle that is occupied by a child under 18 years of age. (c)(1) A person who violates subsection (a) of this section shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $100.00 and no points shall be assessed. (2) A person who violates subsection (b) of this section commits a misdemeanor crime and shall be subject to the following penalties: (A) a fine of not more than $500.00 for a first offense; (B) a fine of not more than $750.00 for a second offense; (C) a fine of not more than $1,000.00 for a third or subsequent offense. (3) A person who violates subsection (b) of this section shall be assessed two points. Sec. 16. 33 V.S.A. § 3504 is amended to read: § 3504. MARIJUANA AND TOBACCO USE PROHIBITED AT CHILD CARE FACILITIES. (a) No person shall be permitted to use marijuana as defined in 18 V.S.A. § 4201 or to cultivate marijuana, or use tobacco products or tobacco substitutes as defined in 7 V.S.A. § 1001 on the premises, both indoor and outdoor, of any licensed child care center or afterschool program at any time. (b) No person shall be permitted to use marijuana as defined in 18 V.S.A. § 4201, tobacco products, or tobacco substitutes as defined in 7 V.S.A. § 1001 on the premises, both indoors and in any outdoor area designated for child care, of a licensed or registered family child care home while children are present and in care. If use of marijuana or smoking of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes occurs on the premises during other times, the family child care home shall notify prospective families prior to enrolling a child in the family child care home that their child will be exposed to an environment in which marijuana, tobacco products, or tobacco substitutes, are used. Cultivation of marijuana in a licensed or registered family child care home is not permitted. (c) A person who knowingly uses or cultivates marijuana in violation of this section commits a misdemeanor crime and shall be subject to the following penalties: (1) a fine of not more than $500.00 for a first offense; (2) a fine of not more than $750.00 for a second offense; (3) a fine of not more than $1,000.00 for a third or subsequent offense. Sec. 17. DISPARITIES IN ENFORCEMENT OF DRUG LAWS; MARIJUANA REGULATORY COMMISSION. (a) Findings. The General Assembly finds that: (1) A 2013 report by the American Civil Liberties Union, The War on Marijuana in Black and White, identified Vermont as 15th in the country and first in New England when comparing discrepancies in citation and arrest rates for marijuana possession. The report stated that African-Americans in Vermont were 4.36 times more likely to be cited or arrested for marijuana possession than whites, higher than the national average of African-Americans being 3.73 more likely than whites to be cited or arrested for marijuana possession. Although Vermont later decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana, a 2016 report by Human Rights Watch and the ACLU, Every 25 Seconds: The Human Toll of Criminalizing Drug Use in the United States, found that Vermont had the third-highest racial disparity in drug possession arrest rates in the country despite nearly identical use rates. (2) In the report, Driving While Black or Brown in Vermont, University of Vermont researchers, examining 2015 data from 29 police agencies covering 78 percent of Vermont’s population, found significant disparities in how often African-Americans and Hispanics are stopped, searched, and arrested, as compared to whites and Asians. According to the report, AfricanAmerican drivers are four times more likely than white drivers to be searched by Vermont police, even though they are less likely to be found with illegal items. (3) As part of efforts to eliminate implicit bias in Vermont’s criminal justice system, policymakers must reexamine the State’s drug laws, beginning with its policy on marijuana. (4) According to a 2014 study conducted by the RAND Corporation, an estimated 80,000 Vermont residents regularly consume marijuana. Except for patients on the Vermont Medical Marijuana Registry, these Vermonters obtain marijuana through a thriving illegal market. (5) In November 2016, voters in Massachusetts and Maine approved possession and cultivation of marijuana for personal use by adults 21 years of age or older. In July 2018, both states will begin to allow retail sales of marijuana and marijuana-infused products through licensed stores. Canada is expected to act favorably on legislation legalizing marijuana possession and cultivation for adults 18 years of age or older and federal administration officials have cited the summer of 2018 as the date at which licensed retail stores will begin selling marijuana and marijuana-infused products to the public. (6) By adopting a comprehensive regulatory structure for legalizing and licensing the marijuana market, Vermont can revise drug laws that have a disparate impact on racial minorities, help prevent access to marijuana by youths, better control the safety and quality of marijuana being consumed by Vermonters, substantially reduce the illegal marijuana market, and use revenues to support substance use prevention and education and enforcement of impaired driving laws. (b) Creation. There is created the Marijuana Regulatory Commission. (c) Membership. The Commission shall be composed of the following 14 members: (1) two current members of the House of Representatives who shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House; (2) two current members of the Senate who shall be appointed by the Committee on Committees; (3) a member appointed by the Speaker of the House; (4) a member appointed by the Committee on Committees; (5) the Commissioner of Public Safety or designee; (6) the Commissioner of Health or designee; (7) the Commissioner of Taxes or designee; (8) the Secretary of Commerce and Community Development or designee; (9) the Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets or designee; (10) one member appointed by the Governor; (11) the Attorney General or designee; and (12) the Defender General or designee. (d) Powers and duties. The Commission shall issue a report of its findings and recommendations and develop legislation that establishes a comprehensive regulatory and revenue system for an adult-use marijuana market that, when compared to the current illegal marijuana market, increases public safety and reduces harm to public health, and results in net revenue to the State. (e) Best practices. The Commission shall examine best practices for addressing: (1) impaired driving, including consideration of a regional impairment threshold for the New England states and parity in impaired driving laws and penalties; (2) prevention and education related to marijuana use, access to marijuana by persons under 21 years of age, impacts to public health, and consumer safety issues such as use of pesticides, GMOs, and testing of marijuana in a regulated market; (3) regulation and taxation of a commercial adult-use marijuana market that is economically sustainable, reduces the illegal marijuana market, results in net revenues to the State after appropriate costs for education, public health and public safety have been deducted; and (4) liability issues, including consideration of federal law, banking, landlords, and insurance. (f) Subcommittees. The Commission may establish subcommittees for the purpose of carrying out its charge and may consult with stakeholders and interested parties, as appropriate. (g) Assistance. The Commission shall have the administrative, technical, and legal assistance of the Office of the Governor, the Secretary of Administration, and relevant administrative agencies and departments. The Office of Legislative Council shall provide legal assistance to the legislative members of the Commission and drafting services to the entire Commission for the purpose of developing the legislation required by subsection (d) of this section. (h) Report and legislation. (1) On or before January 15, 2018, the Commission shall provide the General Assembly and the Governor with an interim report and recommended legislation that shall address at a minimum: (A) public safety recommendations to address impaired driving; (B) requirements and funding for statewide evidence-based youth prevention programs; (C) any recommended changes to the civil action for damages established in 18 V.S.A. § 4230g; and (D) any recommended changes to the definitions of “open container” and “passenger area” as used in 23 V.S.A. §§ 1134 and 1134a. (2) On or before December 31, 2018, the Commission shall provide the General Assembly and the Governor with its final report and recommended legislation on implementing and operating a comprehensive regulatory and revenue system for an adult marijuana market. (i) Meetings. (1) The Governor shall call the first meeting of the Commission to occur on or before August 1, 2017. (2) The Commission shall elect a chair from among its members at the first meeting. (3) A majority of the membership shall constitute a quorum. (4) The Commission shall cease to exist on March 15, 2019. (j) Reimbursement. (1) For attendance at meetings during adjournment of the General Assembly, legislative members of the Commission shall be entitled to per diem compensation and reimbursement of expenses pursuant to 2 V.S.A. § 406 for no more than six meetings. (2) Other members of the Commission who are not employees of the State of Vermont and who are not otherwise compensated or reimbursed for their attendance shall be entitled to per diem compensation and reimbursement of expenses pursuant to 32 V.S.A. § 1010. Sec. 18. EFFECTIVE DATES This section and Sec. 17 shall take effect on passage and the remaining sections shall take effect on July 1, 2018. and that after passage the title of the bill be amended to read: “An act relating to eliminating penalties for possession of limited amounts of marijuana by adults 21 years of age or older”