“The passage of this legislation is great progress toward ending the racially discriminatory policy of branding otherwise law-abiding Louisianans as criminals for minor marijuana possession offenses when law enforcement should instead be focusing on fighting legitimate crime.”
“Decriminalization is only a partial step. It reduces the total number of marijuana arrests, but continues to leave far too many people — and young adults in particular — subject to the whims of law enforcement.”
While there would be no possibility of jail time under the bill, these offenses would still be classified as misdemeanors.
House Bill 652 reduces the penalty for the possession of up to 14 grams of marijuana to a $100 fine only.
While there would be no possibility of jail time under the bill, these offenses would still be classified as a misdemeanor.
House lawmakers approved two bills so far, with a third anticipated later this week.
The Senate voted 20 to 5 to advance Senate Bill 767, which would legalize and regulate the commercial marijuana market in the state.
House lawmakers approved three pieces of legislation that would legalize adult use marijuana and decriminalize possession of up to one ounce of marijuana.