Idaho Governor Brad Little signed House Bill 7 into law today, officially establishing a mandatory minimum fine for marijuana possession.
The measure, which previously passed the state Senate in a 27 to 8 vote after clearing the House 54 to 14, takes away judicial discretion to issue fines below a set amount.
Under Idaho’s existing law, possession of less than three ounces of marijuana is classified as a misdemeanor, carrying fines of up to $1,000. However, there has been no mandatory minimum penalty. With the governor’s signature, House Bill 7 changes that by setting a minimum fine of $300, ensuring that anyone convicted of possession will face at least that amount.
The law does not cap fines at $300, meaning courts can still impose higher penalties when they deem it appropriate. While some lawmakers and advocates have pushed for more lenient marijuana policies, Idaho remains one of the few states with no legal marijuana access and some of the strictest penalties in the country.
