|
Dear MPP Supporter:
Can you believe that despite the Granite State’s "live free or die" motto its residents can be sentenced to up to a year in prison and a $2,000 fine just for possessing a small amount of marijuana?
Now is your chance to help change that. The New Hampshire House of Representatives will vote March 3 on HB 1653, a bill decriminalizing possession of 1/4 ounce or less of marijuana. Twelve other states already have similar policies, punishing marijuana possession with a fine instead of possible jail time. Please write your representatives an e-mail in support of passing HB 1653 by using our automated system.
The House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee met in executive session on February 9 to consider the bill. Your support, along with work by MPP grantee Matt Simon, ensured broad support on the committee for the positive amendments proposed by Rep. Beth Rodd (D-Bradford). The committee voted 16-2 in favor of an "ought to pass" recommendation on the amended bill. The bill as amended would reduce the penalty for possessing 1/4 ounce or less of marijuana to a fine of up to $200 (amended down from $400 in the original bill) and forfeiture of the marijuana. It also makes possessing 1/4 ounce or less of marijuana a violation — not a criminal offense. The bill is now slated for a vote on the House’s consent calendar on March 3. (Bills on the consent calendar are acted upon without debate, though any member may request that a bill be removed from the consent calendar and placed on the House’s regular calendar.)
The House approved a similar bill by 193-141 in 2008. But we need your help to get as many votes as possible. Gov. Lynch’s spokesperson has said he would veto the bill if it reaches his desk.
Be sure to take a moment to send a letter to your representatives now telling them you support ending criminal penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana.
We have several prewritten letters available for you to use, but feel free to write your own. You can remind representatives that this bill is a good way to save money and police time, and to bring marijuana sanctions more in line with the actual severity of the conduct. It would also spare upstanding citizens from being plagued for the rest of their lives by criminal records.
Thank you for supporting the Marijuana Policy Project. Please pass this along to your friends, family, and e-mail lists in New Hampshire so they can help us improve New Hampshire’s marijuana laws.
Sincerely,
Eric M. McDaniel

Legislative Analyst

Marijuana Policy Project | 
