Republican Minority Leader Jon Bramnick congratulated Democrats for recognizing they “made a mistake” with the original bill.
“In my history in politics this was the dumbest law I’ve ever seen by far,” he said in an interview after the hearing. “Under what circumstance would you want an underage person — let’s say 14 — drinking beer and smoking marijuana, why should the parents not be informed?”
Under the law Murphy signed in February, a first offense would result in a written warning. The law makes it clear that the person’s parent or guardian is not to be notified. A second offense is a written warning along with information on drug treatment services.
Police must provide a copy of the second warning to those under 18, along with a notice about the first offense as well.
The third offense carries a written warning again along with a referral to drug treatment services. Parents and guardians would also be notified of a third warning.