This week the pre-filing period for the 2019 legislative session which begins in January began and one of the first bills is one that proposes to decriminalize marijuana.
“Civil penalty legislation is the first thing I’ve filed on the first day of filing for the 86th Session. There’s been an incredible swell of bipartisan support since last session, and the official Texas Republican and Democratic platforms both approve of this kind of reform now,” said Rep. Joe Moody, the bill’s sponsor.
“I’m optimistic that this will be the session we finally see smarter, fairer marijuana laws in Texas.”
“We support a change in the law to make it a civil, and not a criminal, offense for legal adults only to possess one ounce or less of marijuana for personal use, punishable by a fine of up to $100, but without jail time,” Texas’ GOP platform now reads.
“The time has come for marijuana law reform,” said Heather Fazio, the director of Texans for Responsible Marijuana Policy. “Over the last several years, we’ve seen increasing support and this legislative session offers a unique opportunity for reform. Just as support for reform transcends partisan politics among Texas voters, we also see unprecedented bipartisan support at the Capitol.”
