https://wset.com/news/at-the-capito...ze-marijuana-possession-clears-virginia-house (Archive)
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RICHMOND, Va. (WSET) -- A bill that would decriminalize possession of marijuana has passed the Virginia House of Delegates.
Under current law, anyone charged with simple possession of marijuana would be arrested, fined up to $500, and could face 30 days in jail for a first offense. But, Del. Charniele Herring's bill, HB 972, would make it a civil fine of $25 that can be paid like a parking ticket.
A civil penalty doesn't go on your criminal record and would make former convictions sealed.
The bill would also eliminate the driver's license suspension for adults and make it so that hashish oil is treated like marijuana, instead of a schedule I drug that carries a felony penalty.
The House's version of the bill passed with a 64-34 vote.
The Senate version passed the Finance and Appropriations Committee with a vote 12-3 and will now go to the Senate floorfor discussion and vote.
As part of Governor Ralph Northam's proposed criminal justice reform, he said he wanted to decriminalize simple possession of marijuana, creating a $50 civil penalty instead, and clear the records of individuals who have been previously convicted of simple possession.
During the vote Monday, February 10 in the House, some Republicans joined Democrats in the vote to decriminalize simple possession.
Del. Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, said this will help take a step to reduce penalties and that it would be "cray cray" not to pass the legislation.
"This is not what we all want -- a lot of us want -- which is legalization," he said.
Nine other bills have been introduced this session relating to the possession of marijuana.
Supporters have argued the measure is needed in part because African Americans are disproportionately charged with drug crimes. A measure to legalize marijuana failed earlier this year.
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Arguably the least offensive thing Virginia has done so far this year? Just take note of the reasoning they are pushing for marijuana decriminalization and the preserved tweets and video within the article.
-Article start-
RICHMOND, Va. (WSET) -- A bill that would decriminalize possession of marijuana has passed the Virginia House of Delegates.
Under current law, anyone charged with simple possession of marijuana would be arrested, fined up to $500, and could face 30 days in jail for a first offense. But, Del. Charniele Herring's bill, HB 972, would make it a civil fine of $25 that can be paid like a parking ticket.
A civil penalty doesn't go on your criminal record and would make former convictions sealed.
The bill would also eliminate the driver's license suspension for adults and make it so that hashish oil is treated like marijuana, instead of a schedule I drug that carries a felony penalty.
The House's version of the bill passed with a 64-34 vote.
The Senate version passed the Finance and Appropriations Committee with a vote 12-3 and will now go to the Senate floorfor discussion and vote.
As part of Governor Ralph Northam's proposed criminal justice reform, he said he wanted to decriminalize simple possession of marijuana, creating a $50 civil penalty instead, and clear the records of individuals who have been previously convicted of simple possession.
During the vote Monday, February 10 in the House, some Republicans joined Democrats in the vote to decriminalize simple possession.
Del. Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, said this will help take a step to reduce penalties and that it would be "cray cray" not to pass the legislation.
"This is not what we all want -- a lot of us want -- which is legalization," he said.
Nine other bills have been introduced this session relating to the possession of marijuana.
Supporters have argued the measure is needed in part because African Americans are disproportionately charged with drug crimes. A measure to legalize marijuana failed earlier this year.
-Article end-
Arguably the least offensive thing Virginia has done so far this year? Just take note of the reasoning they are pushing for marijuana decriminalization and the preserved tweets and video within the article.
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