Sacramento, CA: Senate lawmakers have passed legislation reducing statewide marijuana possession penalties from a criminal misdemeanor to an infraction.
Senate Bill 1449 amends the California Health and Safety Code so that the adult possession of up to 28.5 grams of marijuana is classified as an infraction, punishable by no more than a $100 fine.
Under present law, minor marijuana possession for non-medical purposes is classified as a criminal misdemeanor. While the offense is not punishable by jail time, defendants charged under the law must appear in court, pay court costs, and attend a court-ordered diversion program. Offenders who refuse to attend the program may retain a criminal record for up to two years.
The senate bill was backed by the California District Attorney’s Association, which argued that the present law places an undue burden on California’s courts.
Senate lawmakers passed the bill by a vote of 21 to 13. The measure now awaits action from the state Assembly, Committee on Public Safety.
For more information, please contact Dale Gieringer, California NORML Coordinator, at (415) 563-5858. Additional information on S.B. 1449 is available online at: http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=14857001.