Marijuana Decriminalization Bill Filed In Texas

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If passed, House Bill 507 would remove the threat of arrest, jail time, and a criminal record for possession of up to one ounce of marijuana and replace them with a civil fine of $100.

AUSTIN, TX — Texas is home to some of the harshest marijuana laws in the United States, but that could change as early as next year.

Surrounded by reform advocates, Texas State Rep. Joe Moody (D-El Paso) introduced a bill Monday morning that, if passed, will reduce penalties for marijuana possession in Texas.

House Bill 507, if passed, would remove the threat of arrest, jail time, and a criminal record for possession of up to one ounce of marijuana and replace them with a civil fine of $100.

“Our current marijuana policy in Texas just isn’t working,” Rep. Moody said. “We need a new approach that allows us to more effectively utilize our limited criminal justice resources. This legislation is a much-needed step in the right direction.”

Rep. Moody was joined in announcing the bill by retired Texas District Court Judge John Delaney, Matt Simpson of the ACLU of Texas, Ann Lee of Republicans Against Marijuana Prohibition, Heather Fazio of the Marijuana Policy Project, and other supporters of marijuana reform in Texas.

“The War on Marijuana is a failure and has needlessly ensnared hundreds of thousands of people in the criminal justice system, at tremendous human and financial cost,” says Matthew Simpson, policy strategist for the ACLU of Texas. “It’s time to implement reforms that are fairer, more compassionate, and smarter at reducing drug dependency and improving our health and safety.”

“Giving a ticket for small amounts of marijuana makes sense,” Judge Delaney said. “The fine can be paid by mail, so police, prosecutors, and our courts will be able to use their limited resources for more important matters.”

“There is broad support for reducing marijuana possession penalties, and it spans the political spectrum,” said Ann Lee, executive director of Republicans Against Marijuana Prohibition. “The prohibition of marijuana is diametrically opposed to the Republican principles of limited government, individual responsibility, and personal freedom. There is nothing conservative about it.”

“Most Americans are fed up with laws that saddle people with criminal records just for possessing a substance that is less harmful than alcohol,” said Heather Fazio, Texas political director for the Marijuana Policy Project. “Texas simply cannot afford to continue arresting and jailing people for marijuana possession.”

According to a September 2013 poll conducted by Public Policy Polling, over than 60% of Texas voters support limiting the punishment for possession of up to one ounce of marijuana to a fine of $100 with no possibility of jail time.

Under current Texas law, individuals found in possession of less than two ounces of marijuana can be arrested and given a criminal record, and face up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.

http://www.thedailychronic.net/2014/39428/marijuana-decriminalization-bill-filed-in-texas-for-2015/