Cannabis Decrim Bill Passed by Illinois Legislature, Sent to Governor
Roughly a month after Illinois’ Senate gave approval to legislation (Senate Bill 2228) that would decriminalize cannabis possession, the state’s House of Representatives has passed the same bill, sending it to Governor Bruce Rauner for consideration. The vote in the Senate was 40 to 14, while the vote in the House was 64 to 50.
The proposal, introduced by Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago), would remove the possibility of jail time and a criminal record for the possession of up to 10 grams of cannabis; instead it would become a fine of no more than $200.
Under current Illinois law, the possession of up to 10 grams of cannabis is punishable by a misdemeanor and up to 6 months in jail.
With over 12 million residents, Illinois is the 5th most populated state in America.
