R.I.: Ask House leadership to let decriminalization bill out of committee

Published: May 4, 2011

As you know, Rhode Island legislators have introduced a proposal to remove the criminal penalty for possessing up to an ounce of marijuana and replace it with a $150 civil fine. Back in mid-March, the House Judiciary Committee heard testimony on the House version, but it still has not voted on the bill and a deadline is approaching. Please email Speaker of the House Gordon Fox and House Majority Leader Nicholas Mattiello, and ask them to make sure H 5031 gets a Judiciary Committee vote soon.

If you have time, please also call Speaker Fox.

Decriminalizing marijuana will end the draconian practice of criminalizing responsible adults for possessing a small amount of a substance proven safer than alcohol. Over 50% of the Rhode Island House of Representatives signed on as co-sponsors of this important bill. It’s time leadership moves it out of committee. Please take two minutes to email the House leaders, and then call Speaker Fox to make this happen. Then, please ask your friends and family in Rhode Island to do the same.

Thank you for supporting sensible marijuana policy reform.