Parents will get word from the police if their kids are caught with alcohol or marijuana if a new bill passed by the Legislature is signed into law.
The Senate and Assembly on Thursday passed a bill that would require police officers to notify the parents of anyone under 18 years old when they are found in possession of or using marijuana or alcohol, even on the first offense, patching up what many legislators, police representatives and parents found to be a hole in the legal weed laws enacted last month.
Both chambers passed the bill unanimously.
"Marijuana was legalized for adults, not for children or teenagers," said Sen. Vin Gopal, D-Monmouth, who sponsored the parental notification bill. "Parents need to be notified if their underage child is using marijuana or alcohol so they can take the appropriate steps to protect them from the potential harmful effects of substance use at young ages and to help them make responsible decisions.
"Allowing parents to remain involved and informed can help to make sure that first time offenders do not become repeat offenders."
