Monday, March 4: Criminal Jurisprudence Committee to Consider HB 63
House Bill 63, authored by Speaker Pro Tempore Joe Moody with bipartisan support, would eliminate the arrest, jail time, and criminal record associated with low-level marijuana possession. The bill will be considered by the Criminal Jurisprudence Committee on Monday, March 4th.
Here’s how you can help:
1) Contact your legislators in support of HB 63.
2) To show your support for the bill, come to the Texas State Capitol and sign up in support of HB 63. You can register your support starting at 8 a.m. and until the conclusion our hearing. (Instructions and a video demo for witness registration.)
3) Provide the committee a testimonial if you have personal or professional experience. Testimony can be provided several ways: written and submitted via email, written/printed (12 copies) and submitted in person on the day of the hearing, or verbally to the committee (2 minutes).
When visiting the Capitol, please always dress professionally.
We will have a large volume of witnesses, so unless you have been arrested or convicted for a small amount of cannabis, or you are someone with particular expertise, it is best to simply register your support. If you plan to stay and testify in person, please let us know so we can coordinate testimony, and please bring 12 copies of your printed testimony to submit to the committee clerk.
Meetup Location for Advocates: E1.010 (1pm-5pm or later) – We have reserved room E1.010 so we have a home base throughout the afternoon/evening. There is plenty of seating, power outlets, and we’ll be able to live stream the committee meeting. Meet us there for an update on the hearing schedule, help signing up in support of the bill, materials to deliver to your representative’s office, and for help with your testimony if you’re going to provide it to the committee.
Committee Hearing Room: E2.012 (2pm-?) – The House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee will begin its meeting at 2pm. There’s no way to know exactly when HB 63 will be considered, so plan on it being a long day. We could be at the Capitol late into the evening.
PARKING:
Entrance is off E 12th St. or E 13th St. Exit is onto San Jacinto Blvd. Parking is free for the first 2 hours and $1.00 for each half hour thereafter. There is also metered parking in the area. Please note that some of the meters will only take coins.
Food: The Capitol Grill is located on E1 and serves hot food til 3pm and closes at 5pm. You may bring your own food and snacks.
Unable to travel to Austin? You can still help! Contact your legislators in support of sensible marijuana policy. Also, follow this Facebook event for live updates and a link to the live stream.