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SF 3472

Residual amount definition establishment in relation to controlled substances

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Clare Oumou Verbeten

Summary of SF 3472: Residual amount definition establishment in relation to controlled substances OverviewBill Number: SF 3472 Title: Residual amount definition establishment in r

Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety
#drugsandmedicine #publicsafetyandpublicsafetydepartment
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Bill Summary · SF 3472

Summary of SF 3472: Residual amount definition establishment in relation to controlled substances

Overview

Bill Number: SF 3472
Title: Residual amount definition establishment in relation to controlled substances
Status: Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety
Introduced: May 01, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of SF 3472 is to establish a legal definition for "residual amount" in the context of controlled substances. Currently, there is no clear statutory definition, leading to ambiguity and inconsistent enforcement around trace quantities of drugs. This bill aims to provide law enforcement, the courts, and the public with a consistent standard for what constitutes a prosecutable amount of a controlled substance.

Key Provisions

  • Defines "residual amount" as any quantity of a controlled substance that is less than 0.5 grams
  • Specifies that possession of a residual amount shall not be considered a criminal offense, but may result in a civil penalty of up to $100
  • Requires law enforcement to issue a citation rather than make an arrest for residual amount possession
  • Directs the state sentencing guidelines commission to update sentencing recommendations to reflect the new residual amount definition

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Law enforcement officers will have clearer guidelines on when to issue citations versus make arrests for drug possession
  • Courts will have a consistent legal standard to apply when adjudicating drug possession cases involving trace quantities
  • Individuals found in possession of small, residual amounts of controlled substances will face civil penalties rather than criminal charges
  • Public health advocates argue the bill will reduce overcriminalization and allow for more treatment-focused approaches to substance use

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

SF 3472 was introduced on May 1, 2025 and has been referred to the Judiciary and Public Safety committee for further consideration. If passed by the committee, the bill would then proceed to a full vote in the state legislature. Given the bipartisan support for addressing ambiguity around drug possession laws, the bill has a reasonable chance of advancing through the legislative process, though its ultimate fate remains to be seen.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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