A Texas lawmaker introduced a bill on Monday, to reduce the state penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana.
"In this system we would take low user amounts, under an ounce, and treat it as civil citations," said Texas State Representative Joe Moody.
According to the proposed bill, instead of spending months behind bars, a person knowingly or intentionally possessing a usable quantity of marijuana in an amount that is one ounce or less is liable to the state for a civil penalty not to exceed $100.
"It wouldn't have those collateral consequences for individuals that are wrapped up in something like this," said Moody. It's an idea retired Judge John Delaney can get behind, saying giving a ticket for a small amount just makes sense.
"Once a person gets caught up in the system it's very hard to get out," Delaney said. According to policy experts 19 other states have already stopped jailing people for possession of small amounts of marijuana.
"It seems like a great opportunity to divert a number of non-violent offenders out of our jail system," said ACLU policy strategist Matt Simpson. While Texas Governor Rick Perry opposes legalization, even he has voiced support for lesser penalties.
It's that kind of joint support Representative and others backing him are hoping for. To critics of the idea Moody said, "Selling marijuana would still be a crime, possession of more than an ounce would still be a crime, and having a small amount would still be illegal and fineable."
Not everyone is behind Moody's idea. While the Sheriffs' Association of Texas says they have not read the bill they do plan to oppose any effort to legalize marijuana. That includes decriminalization and medical marijuana.
News Moderator: Shandar @ 420 MAGAZINE ®
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Author: Adam Racusin
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Website: Lawmaker Introduces Bill To Reduce Penalties For Marijuana Possession - keyetv.com Austin News, Weather, Traffic KEYE-TV Austin - Top Stories
"In this system we would take low user amounts, under an ounce, and treat it as civil citations," said Texas State Representative Joe Moody.
According to the proposed bill, instead of spending months behind bars, a person knowingly or intentionally possessing a usable quantity of marijuana in an amount that is one ounce or less is liable to the state for a civil penalty not to exceed $100.
"It wouldn't have those collateral consequences for individuals that are wrapped up in something like this," said Moody. It's an idea retired Judge John Delaney can get behind, saying giving a ticket for a small amount just makes sense.
"Once a person gets caught up in the system it's very hard to get out," Delaney said. According to policy experts 19 other states have already stopped jailing people for possession of small amounts of marijuana.
"It seems like a great opportunity to divert a number of non-violent offenders out of our jail system," said ACLU policy strategist Matt Simpson. While Texas Governor Rick Perry opposes legalization, even he has voiced support for lesser penalties.
It's that kind of joint support Representative and others backing him are hoping for. To critics of the idea Moody said, "Selling marijuana would still be a crime, possession of more than an ounce would still be a crime, and having a small amount would still be illegal and fineable."
Not everyone is behind Moody's idea. While the Sheriffs' Association of Texas says they have not read the bill they do plan to oppose any effort to legalize marijuana. That includes decriminalization and medical marijuana.
News Moderator: Shandar @ 420 MAGAZINE ®
Source: keyetv.com Austin News, Weather, Traffic KEYE-TV Austin - HOME
Author: Adam Racusin
Contact: Contact - keyetv.com Austin News, Weather, Traffic KEYE-TV Austin
Website: Lawmaker Introduces Bill To Reduce Penalties For Marijuana Possession - keyetv.com Austin News, Weather, Traffic KEYE-TV Austin - Top Stories
