HB 1234 (2008): establishing an affirmative defense to prosecution for a possession offense if a person has a lawful prescription for a controlled drug.

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“HB 1234 (2008): establishing an affirmative defense to prosecution for a possession offense if a person has a lawful prescription for a controlled drug.” Granite Record, https://graniterecord.org/bill/2008/hb1234. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.
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@misc{bill-2008-hb1234, title = {HB 1234 (2008): establishing an affirmative defense to prosecution for a possession offense if a person has a lawful prescription for a controlled drug.}, howpublished = {Granite Record}, url = {https://graniterecord.org/bill/2008/hb1234}, note = {Accessed 24 Oct. 2026} }

HB 1234 (2008)

establishing an affirmative defense to prosecution for a possession offense if a person has a lawful prescription for a controlled drug.

  • Status: Signed into law
  • Term: 2007-2008
  • House committee: Criminal Justice and Public Safety
  • Senate committee: Judiciary
  • Subject: Crimes, Criminal Procedure and Corrections
  • Chapter law: 145

The Story

It was introduced on January 2, 2008 and referred to the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety committee. The committee held a public hearing on January 10, 2008. The committee held work sessions on January 15, 2008, January 24, 2008 and February 7, 2008. The committee met in executive session on February 12, 2008 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted unanimously, 17–0, to recommend that the House pass it with changes (amendment 0363h). The committee's amendment (0363h) was adopted on a voice vote on March 5, 2008, changing the text of the bill. On March 5, 2008 the House voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote. It crossed to the Senate on March 13, 2008 and was referred to the Senate Judiciary committee. The committee held a public hearing on April 1, 2008. The committee recommended that the Senate pass it. On May 1, 2008 the Senate voted to pass it on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. The bill was enrolled on May 15, 2008 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor signed it on June 6, 2008, making it Chapter 145 of the session laws.

Sponsors

Hearings and Sessions

  • January 10, 2008, 10:00 AM: public hearing, House Criminal Justice and Public Safety, LOB 204
  • January 15, 2008, 2:00 PM: subcommittee work session, House Criminal Justice and Public Safety, LOB 204
  • January 24, 2008, 9:30 AM: subcommittee work session, House Criminal Justice and Public Safety, LOB 204
  • February 7, 2008, 8:45 AM: subcommittee work session, House Criminal Justice and Public Safety, LOB 204
  • February 12, 2008, 10:00 AM: executive session, House Criminal Justice and Public Safety, LOB 204
  • April 1, 2008, 3:00 PM: hearing, Senate Judiciary, SH 103

Votes

  • March 5, 2008, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment #0363h NT — voice vote, passed
  • May 1, 2008, Senate: Ought to Pass — voice vote, passed

The Docket

  • January 2, 2008: Introduced 1/2/2008 and Referred to Criminal Justice and Public Safety
  • January 10, 2008: Public Hearing: 1/10/2008 10:00 AM LOB 204
  • January 15, 2008: Subcommittee Work Session: 1/15/2008 2:00 PM LOB 204
  • January 24, 2008: Subcommittee Work Session: 1/24/2008 9:30 AM LOB 204
  • February 7, 2008: Subcommittee Work Session: 2/7/2008 8:45 AM LOB 204
  • February 12, 2008: Executive Session: 2/12/2008 10:00 AM LOB 204
  • February 12, 2008: Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment #0363h NT for Mar 5 CC (vote 17-0)
  • February 12, 2008: Proposed Committee Amendment #0363h (New Title)
  • March 5, 2008: Amendment #0363h (New Title) Adopted, VV
  • March 5, 2008: Ought to Pass with Amendment #0363h NT: MA VV
  • March 13, 2008: Introduced and Referred to Judiciary
  • April 1, 2008: Hearing; April 1, 2008, Room 103, State House, 3:00 p.m.; SC13
  • April 24, 2008: Committee Report; Ought to Pass [05/01/08]; SC17
  • May 1, 2008: Ought to Pass, MA, VV; OT3rdg
  • May 1, 2008: Passed by Third Reading Resolution
  • May 8, 2008: Enrolled
  • May 15, 2008: Enrolled
  • June 6, 2008: Signed by the Governor 06/06/2008; Effective 01/01/2009; Chapter 0145

Laws It Would Change

From the General Court