| | In the near future, I would like to introduce legislation that would amend the following section from Pennsylvania law:
Pennsylvania law (Motor Vehicle Code, Section 1532) mandates a six-month suspension of the driver’s license of anyone convicted of “any offense involving the possession, sale, delivery, offering for sale, holding for sale or giving away of any controlled substance under the laws of the United States, this Commonwealth or any other state…”
This provision was added in 1994 by House Bill 878, which became Act 3 of 1994.
I introduced legislation that would make possession of small amounts of marijuana a summary offense. However, I discovered that people found in small amounts of possession would still be subjected to the six-month suspension. I feel that is a correction that is necessary.
By amending this provision from the Motor Vehicle Code, this would be another step toward preventing a minor offense from becoming a major disruption in someone’s life and major burden to taxpayers. This would only apply to those who have been found to have a 'small amount' (less than 30 grams). Those who fall under that category would not necessarily face a six-month suspension of their drivers license (unless other mitigating circumstances warrant that - i.e. 'Driving Under the Influence.')
Many counties in Pennsylvania don’t have adequate public transportation and it would be unfortunate and unproductive for someone to lose their job over one minor offense.
I empathize with local officials all over the state who are burdened with paperwork demands from well-intended but short-sighted legislation. One of the reasons for this bill is to save local governments and taxpayers money by reducing the paperwork and allowing them to focus their resources on bigger problems. | |
