The Assembly Judiciary Committee soundly approved legislation last week to relax Nevada’s harshest-in-the-nation marijuana possession laws.
NORML Executive Director R. Keith Stroup, Esq. praised the vote. “Marijuana smokers, like their nonsmoking peers, work hard, raise families, pay taxes, and contribute to their communities,” he said. “They are not part of the crime problem and should not face arrest and jail.”
Assembly Bill 577, introduced by Assemblywoman Christina Giunchigliani (D-Las Vegas), seeks to reduce minor marijuana possession from a category E felony to a misdemeanor offense punishable by no more than a $100 fine. Nevada remains the only state that maintains felony criminal penalties for simple marijuana possession.
Eleven lawmakers voted for the measure, and only three opposed it. Judiciary Committee Chairman Bernie Anderson (D-Sparks) commended Giunchigliani’s bravery for introducing the measure, which also gained support from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and regional public defender’s offices. “I always admire someone who has the courage to … put this issue forward,” Anderson said. “It’s been misrepresented for a long period of time.”
The bill awaits action by the Assembly, which must vote on it by April 19.
For more information, please contact either Keith Stroup or Paul Armentano of NORML @ (202) 483-5500. To download a copy of this legislation, please visit: www.leg.state.nv.us/70th/bills/AB/AB577.html.