On Wednesday, the Texas House of Representatives passed a bill aimed at decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana. The bill will also create a process to expunge related criminal convictions from the records of Texans. The bill was passed by a vote of 98-43 and will now move to the Texas Senate for further consideration.
The bill aims to reduce the penalties for possessing small amounts of marijuana to a civil penalty, rather than a criminal one. Under the new law, Texans caught with less than one ounce of marijuana would face a fine of up to $250, rather than the possibility of jail time and a criminal conviction.
The bill also includes a path to expunging marijuana-related criminal convictions in Texas. This would allow individuals with prior convictions for low-level cannabis offenses to clear their records and move forward with their lives without the stigma of a criminal record.
While the bill has received support from many lawmakers and advocates, some local leaders are concerned that the changes may violate state law. However, residents who support the decriminalization of marijuana argue that the pushback is unfounded and that the changes will bring much-needed reform to the justice system.
The bill was approved by the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee last week after a unanimous vote. The committee included both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, indicating that the push to decriminalize marijuana has bipartisan support in the state.
Lawmakers in Texas have also considered bills to legalize and regulate marijuana in the state. One such bill is currently in committee, while another received initial approval by the Texas House of Representatives.
In addition to decriminalization efforts, the Texas House passed a bill last month aimed at expanding access to medical marijuana in the state. The bill would allow more Texans to access medical marijuana for a variety of conditions, including PTSD, cancer, and chronic pain.
Nico Richardson, CEO of the Texas Cannabis Industry Association, spoke out in support of the bill, saying that it would provide relief for many Texans who are suffering from serious medical conditions. Richardson also noted that the bill would create new jobs and economic opportunities in the state's growing cannabis industry.
Overall, the push to decriminalize marijuana in Texas reflects a growing trend across the United States. As more states move to legalize or decriminalize marijuana, advocates hope that Texas will follow suit and adopt more progressive policies regarding cannabis use and possession.
