Texas Local Decriminalization


Austin
Population: 965,872

Austin, TX

  • Passed: 2022
  • Municipal Initiative
  • Quantity: 2 oz or less
  • Penalty: Police officers “shall not issue citations or make arrests for Class A or Class B misdemeanor possession of marijuana offenses” absent defendants’ alleged involvement in a “felony level narcotics” case. The measure also prohibits local police from executing ‘no knock’ warrants.
  • (Details)
Bexar County
Population: 1.979 M

Bexar County, TX

  • Passed: 2017
  • City Council Resolution
  • Quantity: 4 ounces
  • Penalty: Summons and Release
  • (Details)
Cedar Park
Population: 77,181

Cedar Park, TX

  • Passed: 2019
  • Implemented by Sheriff’s Office
  • Quantity: Up to 2 ounces
  • Penalty: Summons and Release
  • (Details)
Dallas
Population: 1.339 M

Dallas, TX

  • Passed: May 2017
  • House Bill
  • Quantity: 4 ounces
  • Penalty: Summons and Release
  • (Details)
Denton
Population: 148,100

Denton, TX

  • Passed: 2022
  • Municipal Initiative
  • Quantity: 2 oz or less
  • Penalty: Police officers “shall not issue citations or make arrests for Class A or Class B misdemeanor possession of marijuana offenses” absent defendants’ alleged involvement in a “felony level narcotics” case.
  • (Details)
Elgin
Population: 10,500

Elgin, TX

  • Passed: 2022
  • Municipal Initiative
  • Quantity: 2 oz or less
  • Penalty: Police officers “shall not issue citations or make arrests for Class A or Class B misdemeanor possession of marijuana offenses” absent defendants’ alleged involvement in a “felony level narcotics” case.
  • (Details)
El Paso
Population: 679,879

El Paso, TX

  • Passed: May 2020
  • City Council Resolution
  • Quantity: 4 ounces
  • Penalty: Summons and Release
  • (Details)
Harker Heights
Population: 35,600

Houston, TX

  • Passed: 2023
  • Municipal Initiative
  • Quantity: 2 ounces or less
  • Penalty: This ordinance limits local law enforcement from making arrests or issuing citations for most marijuana-related violations. It also prohibits police in most circumstances from considering the odor of cannabis as probable cause of a crime.
  • (Details)
Harris County (Houston)
Population: 4.681 M

Houston, TX

  • Passed: 2017
  • City Council Resolution
  • Quantity: 4 ounces
  • Penalty: Summons and Release
  • (Details)
Hays County
Population: 222,827

Hays County, TX

  • Passed: 2009
  • Implemented by the Sheriff’s office
  • Quantity: 2 ounces or less
  • Penalty: Summons and Release
  • (Details)
Killeen
Population: 156,200

Killeen, TX

  • Passed: 2022
  • Municipal Initiative
  • Quantity: 2 oz or less
  • Penalty: Police officers “shall not issue citations or make arrests for Class A or Class B misdemeanor possession of marijuana offenses” absent defendants’ alleged involvement in a “felony level narcotics” case.
  • (Details)
Nueces County
Population: 362,151

Nueces County, TX

  • Passed: April 2019
  • Implemented by District Attorney’s Office
  • Quantity: 4 ounces
  • Penalty: Summons and Release
  • (Details)
Plano County
Population: 288,870

Plano, TX

  • Passed: 2021
  • Implemented by Sheriff’s Office
  • Quantity: Up to 2 ounces
  • Penalty: Summons and Release
  • (Details)
San Marcos
Population: 68,580

San Marcos, TX

  • Passed: 2022
  • Municipal Initiative
  • Quantity: 2 oz or less
  • Penalty: Police officers “shall not issue citations or make arrests for Class A or Class B misdemeanor possession of marijuana offenses” absent defendants’ alleged involvement in a “felony level narcotics” case.
  • (Details)
Travis County
Population: 1.251 M

Travis County, TX

  • Passed: 2017
  • County Commissioners Court
  • Quantity: Up to 2 ounces
  • Penalty: $45 fine and 4-hour marijuana class
  • (Details)
Williamson County
Population: 570,437

Williamson County, TX

  • Passed: 2017
  • Pilot Program
  • Quantity: 2 ounces or less
  • Penalty: Summons and Release
  • (Details)