Jacob Redmond
Well-Known Member
Marijuana decriminalization bills are languishing in a state House committee as the chairman of the committee tosses around the idea of going with a study to address issues.
State Rep. Joe Moody, D-El Paso, the author of one of the major bills, House Bill 507, says he has the votes for his legislation: a bill that would make the punishment for having less than an ounce of marijuana a $250 civil fine instead of criminal penalties. Decriminalization bills are separate from legalization bills.
The law as is can result in up to a $2,000 fine and as many as 180 days in jail.
"I believe I have the votes," Moody said, noting that he needs four of the members of the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee to sign on.
Moody noted that Texas spends more than $700 million on prosecution for the low-level, nonviolent offense, while the House is debating spending $500 million on border security.
"Our enforcement of marijuana laws are failing," Moody said.
The chairman of the committee where the bill has been left pending since April 8 is state Rep. Abel Herrero, D-Robstown.
"We're still looking at the bill, trying to consider all the information. We received multiple calls from constituents, some for it, others that are concerned about the impact that it would have, and so we're trying to decipher and collect as much information regarding the bill," Herrero said. "So collectively the goal would be to try to have the discussion among the members ultimately on the House floor."
If that doesn't happen this session, lawmakers could study the issue over the next two years.
"The question is: Is that (floor vote) something we can do this session or can we do an interim study that would try to address or at least collect more information as it pertains to medicinal purposes, decriminalization, legalization, what effect that would have on businesses, on drug testing, what approach they would take on those circumstances? Do you use it as an affirmative defense? Do you allow for an individual to essentially have an opportunity to have multiple fines if it's in the civil context? Do you limit it? What's the implication and what's the practical effect, if you will, not only as to individuals and communities but the judicial system, whether it be civil or criminal?"
If the bill did get out of the House, the next step would be the House Calendars Committee, presided over by chairman state Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi.
Hunter said he hasn't read the bill, although he keeps distance as the head of the committee that decides what gets to the floor of the House and when.
"I have received contact that we need to look at the issue," Hunter said.
Lawmakers mulled over marijuana this week as well. A medical marijuana bill, HB 892, from state Rep. Stephanie Klick, R-Fort Worth, got a hearing in a separate committee Tuesday. The legislation would legalize certain oils that are part of marijuana to treat medical conditions such as epilepsy.
Moody said a diverse group of lawmakers are surrounding his bill, including a couple members of the tea party.
"I believe it should get a vote, up or down," Moody said.
Time is running out for the bills. May 11 is the last day for House committees to report House bills and joint resolutions.
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Marijuana bills stall in committee - Caller-Times
Author: Matthew Waller
Contact: matthew.waller@caller.com
Photo Credit: David Zalubowski
Website: Corpus Christi Caller-Times | Local Corpus Christi, Texas News Delivered Throughout the Day
State Rep. Joe Moody, D-El Paso, the author of one of the major bills, House Bill 507, says he has the votes for his legislation: a bill that would make the punishment for having less than an ounce of marijuana a $250 civil fine instead of criminal penalties. Decriminalization bills are separate from legalization bills.
The law as is can result in up to a $2,000 fine and as many as 180 days in jail.
"I believe I have the votes," Moody said, noting that he needs four of the members of the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee to sign on.
Moody noted that Texas spends more than $700 million on prosecution for the low-level, nonviolent offense, while the House is debating spending $500 million on border security.
"Our enforcement of marijuana laws are failing," Moody said.
The chairman of the committee where the bill has been left pending since April 8 is state Rep. Abel Herrero, D-Robstown.
"We're still looking at the bill, trying to consider all the information. We received multiple calls from constituents, some for it, others that are concerned about the impact that it would have, and so we're trying to decipher and collect as much information regarding the bill," Herrero said. "So collectively the goal would be to try to have the discussion among the members ultimately on the House floor."
If that doesn't happen this session, lawmakers could study the issue over the next two years.
"The question is: Is that (floor vote) something we can do this session or can we do an interim study that would try to address or at least collect more information as it pertains to medicinal purposes, decriminalization, legalization, what effect that would have on businesses, on drug testing, what approach they would take on those circumstances? Do you use it as an affirmative defense? Do you allow for an individual to essentially have an opportunity to have multiple fines if it's in the civil context? Do you limit it? What's the implication and what's the practical effect, if you will, not only as to individuals and communities but the judicial system, whether it be civil or criminal?"
If the bill did get out of the House, the next step would be the House Calendars Committee, presided over by chairman state Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi.
Hunter said he hasn't read the bill, although he keeps distance as the head of the committee that decides what gets to the floor of the House and when.
"I have received contact that we need to look at the issue," Hunter said.
Lawmakers mulled over marijuana this week as well. A medical marijuana bill, HB 892, from state Rep. Stephanie Klick, R-Fort Worth, got a hearing in a separate committee Tuesday. The legislation would legalize certain oils that are part of marijuana to treat medical conditions such as epilepsy.
Moody said a diverse group of lawmakers are surrounding his bill, including a couple members of the tea party.
"I believe it should get a vote, up or down," Moody said.
Time is running out for the bills. May 11 is the last day for House committees to report House bills and joint resolutions.
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Marijuana bills stall in committee - Caller-Times
Author: Matthew Waller
Contact: matthew.waller@caller.com
Photo Credit: David Zalubowski
Website: Corpus Christi Caller-Times | Local Corpus Christi, Texas News Delivered Throughout the Day
