Explanation of Bill
Bill Summary: S. 1028
This bill, known as the "Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States Act" or the "STATES Act," seeks to amend the Controlled Substances Act to establish new rules regarding the application of the Act to marijuana. It also aims to address other related purposes.
Section 1: Short Title
This section states that the Act may be referred to as the "Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States Act" or the "STATES Act."
Section 2: Rule Regarding Application to Marijuana
This section adds a new rule to the Controlled Substances Act, stating that the provisions of the Act, as they relate to marijuana, do not apply to individuals who are acting in compliance with state laws regarding the manufacture, production, possession, distribution, dispensation, administration, or delivery of marijuana. However, there are exceptions outlined within subsections (c) and (d) which describe certain provisions that still apply under specific circumstances.
Section 3: Transportation Safety Offenses
This section amends section 409 of the Controlled Substances Act. It adds exceptions to subsections (b) and (c) of the Act, stating that these subsections do not apply to individuals who possess or intend to distribute marijuana in compliance with section 710.
Section 4: Distribution to Persons Under Age 21
This section amends section 418 of the Controlled Substances Act. It adds an exception to subsections (a) and (b) of the Act, stating that these subsections do not apply to individuals who are at least 18 years old and distribute medicinal marijuana to individuals under 21 years old in compliance with section 710.
Section 5: Comptroller General Study on Effects of Marijuana Legalization on Traffic Safety
This section tasks the Comptroller General of the United States with conducting a study on the effects of marijuana legalization on traffic safety. The study should include an assessment of traffic crashes, fatalities, and injuries in states that have legalized marijuana use, as well as the actions taken by those states to address marijuana-impaired driving. The study should also examine testing standards used by those states to evaluate marijuana impairment in traffic incidents. Additionally, the study should explore federal initiatives aimed at assisting states with traffic safety in relation to marijuana legalization.
Section 6: Rule of Construction
This section establishes that conduct in compliance with the Act and its amendments shall not be considered unlawful. It also clarifies that such conduct shall not constitute trafficking in a controlled substance or serve as a basis for property forfeiture under specific sections of the Controlled Substances Act or other provisions of the law.