The Louisiana House of Representatives voted yesterday to remove jail time as a punishment for simple marijuana possession.
Members voted 67-25 in favor of creating a statewide law that mimics standards already in place in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Shreveport.
Anyone caught with 14 grams or less of marijuana intended for personal use would still face a $100 fine, but police would not have to arrest them and bring them to jail. Each subsequent offense would also be limited to a $100 fine. Distribution of amounts that small, such as a corner dealer selling one joint at a time, would still be a felony offense that carries a prison sentence.
Rep. Cedric Glover of Shreveport authored the bill that gained backing from Republicans, who hold a decisive majority in the House. The Senate will consider the proposal next. A separate bill to legalize recreational use of marijuana in Louisiana awaits a House vote. Its sponsor, Rep. Richard Nelson of Mandeville, has put it on today’s calendar for floor debate.
