Photo courtesy CNN
AUSTIN (WBAP/KLIF News) — Texas lawmakers are beginning a new biennial legislative session reconsidering a bill that would decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana.
Rep. Joe Moody, Democrat from El Paso, has offered a similar bill in the past but thinks changing public opinion might help it pass this time. His bill would make possession of one ounce or less of marijuana punishable by a fee of no more than $250. More than one ounce would be a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
The Dallas Morning News explains a June 2018 poll by the University of Texas and the Texas Tribune showed that 69 percent of Texans support reducing the punishment for possessing small amounts of marijuana to a citation and a fine.
Moody points out that Governor Greg Abbott advocated a reduction of marijuana possession punishments during campaign debates. Moody also says he believes he has strong support from both parties.
