Marijuana; civil penalty for simple possession of 30 grams or less.

HB 199 changes Mississippi's penalty for simple possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana from a criminal offense to a civil penalty. Instead of facing potential jail time (up to 3 years) or a $3,000 fine, individuals caught with this amount would now receive a civil fine only. The bill amends Section 41-29-139 to specify this reduced penalty for small amounts and updates Section 21-23-7 to give municipal courts authority to handle these civil violations. This policy shift directly affects people possessing 30 grams or less of marijuana without criminal charges.