A bill to lower the penalty for marijuana possession of three ounces or less passed the Wyoming House of Representatives today. The vote for House Bill 137 was nearly unanimous with 52 votes in favor.
Cheyenne Representative Jared Olsen sponsored the bill in an effort to save prison costs.
"Right now the current law says if you have in your possession 3 ounces of marijuana or less, its up to a year in prison and a thousand dollar fine," said Olsen. "And thats part of whats plaguing our prison, overcrowding our prison, and its part of our funding issue on the pen-side. And its also, were not treating people for the issues that they have, were just putting people in prison and creating felons."
Olsen said the bill also establishes an elevated misdemeanor for a third offense, so those convicted wont become felons. A fourth offense would still be a felony.
Laramie Representative Charles Pelkey, who is in favor of complete decriminalization of marijuana, said he voted for the bill not because its perfect, but because its a step in the right direction.
The bill now moves to the Senate for further debate.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: Legislature Lowers Marijuana Penalties
Author: Maggie Mullen
Contact: 800-729-5897
Photo Credit: Pixabay
Website: Wyoming Public Radio
