Concerns possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages or cannabis by underage persons.

This bill (S 1372) updates New Jersey's laws regarding underage possession or consumption of alcohol or cannabis in public spaces like schools, vehicles, or public venues. It affects anyone under the legal purchase age (21) who is caught in these locations, with a three-tiered approach: first violations get a written warning with parental notification for minors, second violations include community service referrals, and third violations require referrals to social services (counseling, mentoring, etc.) for both the minor and their guardian. The bill explicitly prohibits fines, arrests, or legal action for refusing these services and bans law enforcement from using the smell of alcohol/cannabis as grounds for stops or searches. It focuses on referrals to support services rather than punishment.