Bill Text: MS HB729 | 2014 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Legalization of marijuana; create task force to study.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Failed) 2014-02-04 - Died In Committee [HB729 Detail]

Download: Mississippi-2014-HB729-Introduced.html

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MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2014 Regular Session

To: Judiciary B

By: Representative Holloway

House Bill 729

AN ACT TO CREATE THE BENEFITS OF LEGAL MARIJUANA TASK FORCE; TO PROVIDE THE MEMBERSHIP AND ORGANIZATION OF THE TASK FORCE; TO PROVIDE THE DUTIES OF THE TASK FORCE; TO REQUIRE A REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

     BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

     SECTION 1.  (1)  There is created the Benefits of Legal Marijuana Task Force which shall be composed of the following members:

          (a)  The Executive Officer of the State Department of Health, or his designee;

          (b)  The Executive Director of the Department of Mental Health, or his designee;

          (c)  A representative of the Mississippi Medical Association;

          (d)  A representative of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws;

          (e)  A representative of The Mississippi Bar;

          (f)  A representative of The Magnolia Bar;

          (g)  A representative of the Attorney General's office;

          (h)  A representative of the Department of Public Safety;

          (i)  A representative of the Mississippi Public Defender's Association;

          (j)  The Chairman of the House of Representatives Judiciary A Committee, or his designee; and

          (k)  The Chairman of the Senate Judiciary A Committee.

     (2)  At its first meeting, the task force shall elect a chairman and vice chairman from its membership and shall adopt rules for transacting its business and keeping records.  Members of the task force shall receive a per diem in the amount provided in Section 25-3-69 for each day engaged in the business of the task force.  Members of the task force other than the legislative members shall receive reimbursement for travel expenses incurred while engaged in official business of the task force in accordance with Section 25-3-41 and the legislative members of the task force shall receive the expense allowance provided for in Section 5-1-47.

     (3)  The duties of the task force shall be to:

          (a)  Make a comprehensive study of the medical and economic benefit of legalizing marijuana including the financial benefit to the state as a result of not prosecuting and incarcerating persons for marijuana offenses and the economic benefits that the state will experience through taxation related to the production and sale of marijuana;

          (b)  Examine and study approaches taken by other states regarding medical and recreational marijuana; and

          (c)  Report to the Legislature by December 1, 2014, its recommendations for possible changes in state law.

     (4)  The PEER Committee shall provide staff to assist the task force in carrying out its duties under this act.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2014.