Would establish a Task Force to Study the decriminalization of use and possession of small quantities of Controlled Dangerous Substances, in order to reduce the harms of arrest, fines and incarceration.  Among other things, the bill would survey research and experts to recommend types of controlled dangerous substances and de minimis quantity amounts that should be eligible for a civil citation for use or possession instead of potentially harmful criminal penalties.  It would identify possible alternatives to criminal intervention, such as assessments of substance use or mental health disorders, or referral to drug education programs, etc.

In previous years, the full “De Minimus” bill had been introduced almost every year to actually decriminalize such use, while offering recovery and treatment services, as was done in Oregon and in the country of Portugal. Oregon had since repealed their law, which did not achieve its goals, possibly because of inadequate treatment referrals and funding. But in Portugal, this approach showed impressive reductions in overdose deaths, and other benefits that have continued long-term.