Texas Lawmakers Are Considering Partial Marijuana Decriminalization

House Bill 81, introduced by Representative Joe Moody, aims to decriminalize possession of an ounce or less of marijuana. Instead of being tossed in jail, those in possession of small amounts of marijuana would get a civil penalty instead. The civil penalty would not be more than $250.

A hearing to discuss the bill is scheduled for March 20, according to NBC Dallas-Fort Worth. The House Criminal Jurisprudence committee will be holding the hearing. Dallas-Fort Worth NORML representatives believe that Texas is getting closer to making decriminalization a reality.

Previously, Shaun McAlister said, “I believe Texas is at a tipping point where we’re seeing the rest of the country having a sensible marijuana policy. I believe after this session we will stop putting people in cages for possessing small amounts of this.”

Two years ago, with a similar bill, Representative Moody’s bill passed the House Criminal Jurisprudence committee but did not make it to a floor vote.

While Texas may not be ready to jump on the legalization bandwagon, this is a step in a forward direction. Opposition still exists and others just don’t have faith in House Bill 81’s passage.

Bob Garrett, a local reporter, said, “I wouldn’t hold your breath on it passing this year. But momentum has slowly been building, I think, toward a legalization push.”

Harris County took the lead earlier this year in Texas by decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana.