Missouri Proposal That Would Decriminalize Cannabis Possession Approved by House and Senate, Sent to Governor

Missouri Proposal That Would Decriminalize Cannabis Possession Approved by House and Senate, Sent to Governor

With overwhelming support Missouri’s House and Senate has approved Senate Bill 491, a proposal to reform the state’s criminal code which includes a provision that decriminalizes the possession of up to 10 grams of cannabis. The measure, which has been sent to Governor Jay Nixon for consideration, was approved 29 to 2 in the Senate, and 140 to 15 in the House. The supermajority vote means that the Legislature would likely override a veto if Governor Nixon decides to take that route.

Under current Missouri law, the possession of any amount of cannabis can net someone a prison sentence of up to a year. Under Senate Bill 491, the charge for possessing of up to 10 grams of cannabis would be reduced to a simple fine, similar to a traffic ticket.

The measure includes several other reforms, including removing a mandate that finds someone convicted for the third time on a drug felony charge automatically denied probation and parole.

Governor Nixon has yet to declare what he’ll do with the bill; he has the option of vetoing it, signing it into law or allowing it to become law without his signature.

– TheJointBlog