Pot Decriminalization Bill Approved in State Senate
February 14, 2008
WPTZ Plattsburgh
MONTPELIER, Vt.—It's on to the Vermont House now for a bill that would relax penalties on Vermonters caught with small amounts of marijuana.
The Vermont Senate gave final approval to the bill Thursday after defeating an amendment that would have given prosecutors the decision-making power over whether minor cases should be sent to court diversion.
The bill calls for defendants to have the choice of court diversion or paying a fine when they're caught with up to an ounce of marijuana.
Opponents said the bill sends the wrong message to young people, while supporters said it would match state law with the existing practice of prosecutors.
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