House Bill 494a reduces a first time minor in consumption and/or minor in possession charge from a misdemeanor to an infraction where the individual would only need to pay a fine instead of facing possible jail time. Passing sentencing reform legislation ensures that Idaho’s jails and prison are used for those who commit crimes deserving of incarceration and that stakeholders in the criminal justice system collaborate to find appropriate alternative sentencing to avoid unnecessarily increasing Idaho’s incarceration rates.
