Legislation that seeks to significantly reduce marijuana possession penalties is once again pending before Texas’ state lawmakers. State Rep. Harold Dutton (D-Houston) has prefiled legislation, House Bill 184, to amend minor marijuana possession penalties to a fine-only, Class C misdemeanor.
Under present law, the possession of one ounce of cannabis or less is classified as a Class B criminal misdemeanor publishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine. Passage of HB 184 would reduce these penalties to a maximum fine of $500 and no jail time.
In Texas more than 75,000 people are arrested for marijuana every year, with more than 90% of those arrests for possession. According to Texas NORML’s Legal Counsel, Jamie Spencer, an estimated 70% of all marijuana possession arrests are for an ounce or less, meaning that, if passed, HB 184 could save literally tens of thousands of Texans from arrest and jail time.
WE NEED YOU TO TAKE ACTION ON THIS NOW AND SHARE IT WITH EVERYONE YOU KNOW!
Click here to send your Representatives a prewritten letter in favor of this measure today!
Here is the direct link for taking action: http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=62316351
Thank you in advance for your support and action!