Title:
Two good bills advancing in New Mexico
Message:
Two bills that would greatly improve New Mexico’s marijuana policies are getting attention this week in the legislature. A bill that would reduce the penalties for possession of marijuana is slated for a House floor vote this week, while another that calls on the Economic Development Department to study the budgetary implications of taxing and regulating marijuana will get a committee hearing today in the Senate.
Please ask your legislators to support these sensible proposals.
Currently, a first offense for possession of an ounce or less of marijuana in New Mexico is punishable by up to 15 days in jail and a fine of up to $100. A second offense is punishable by up to a year and a fine of up to $1,000. Rep. Emily Kane’s penalty reduction bill, HB 465, would make possession a civil offense, punishable by no more than a $50 fine. Subsequent offenses would be petty misdemeanors that carry no risk of jail time.
Senate Memorial 80 is the bill to study taxing and regulating marijuana and could receive a Senate floor vote this week too.
Please urge your legislators to support these bills, and help spread the word by forwarding this to a friend.
