Update: On June 23rd Senate Bill 318 was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety.
Legislation is pending to reduce minor marijuana possession penalties.
Under current law, possession of any amount is a misdemeanor that carries up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine if convicted by a plea or trial.
Senate Bill 318 amends state law so that marijuana possession offenses (up to 10 grams) are reduced to a civil offense, punishable by a fine of $100.
The policy proposed by this bill is line with those of numerous other states, including Nebraska and Ohio. Such a change will save taxpayers money and allow police and the courts to re-prioritize their resources toward addressing more serious crimes.
Minor marijuana possession offenders, many of them young people, should not be saddled with a criminal record and the lifelong penalties and stigma associated with it.
Please contact your elected officials in support of reducing marijuana possession penalties.
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