Politics & Government
Pot Decriminalization Gets Judiciary Committee Nod [POLL]
Rep. John Edwards' bill, along with the Senate version, now move to floor votes.
Legislators could be making floor votes on bills next week that will decriminalize the possession of up to an ounce of marijuana after it received the endorsements of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees on Tuesday, reports The Providence Journal.
According to a legislative press aide for Rep. John Edwards (D-Tiverton, Portsmouth) on Wednesday, his bill (H-7092), also attached to this post, received the approval of the House Juduciary Committee and the floor vote could come as early as next Tuesday. State Sen. Joshua Miller (D-Cranston) introduced similar legislation (S-2253), also attached to this post, which received Judiciary Committee support.
A three strike provision now exists in the proposals, invoking a civil penalty and fine for possessing up to an ounce of marijuana. However, the penalties become more severe if the offender has three marijuana possession charges within 18 months.
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A earlier this year showed strong support for decriminalizing marijuana.
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