Title:
R.I. House and Senate pass marijuana decriminalization; on to Gov. Chafee
Message:
Minutes ago, both chambers of the Rhode Island General Assembly overwhelmingly approved legislation to reform the penalty for possession of up to an ounce of marijuana: 50-24 in the House and 28-6 in the Senate! The twin bills will each get another procedural vote in the other legislative chamber, and then they go to Gov. Lincoln Chafee’s desk. Email Gov. Chafee today and ask him to sign this proposal.
If enacted, S2253/H7092 will replace the criminal penalties for adults’ possession of up to an ounce of marijuana with a civil fine of $150 for most violations. Minors would also have to perform community service and attend a drug education course. If individuals got a third offense within 18 months, then they would be subject to a misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine of no more than $500. Call the governor and ask him to support this sensible change, then email him and ask again.
Sixty-five percent of Rhode Island voters support this modest proposal (PDF), so you can feel confident that your friends and family are going to want to know about it, too. Thank you for your help getting the bill this far! Please contact Gov. Chafee to help it get past the finish line.
