STIFFER PENALTIES FOR POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA SENT TO HEINEMAN

LINCOLN -- Getting caught with a little pot may soon be as costly as
getting caught drinking before your 21st birthday.

The Nebraska Legislature Tuesday passed a bill increasing the
penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana. Legislative
Bill 844, introduced by State Sen. Russ Karpisek of Wilber, passed on
a 40-2 vote.

If the bill is signed into law by the governor, fines would increase
to $300, up from $100, for possession of an ounce or less of
marijuana. Fines for a second offense would be increased to $400, up
from $200, and for third and subsequent offenses, to $500, up from $300.

The penalty for possessing more than an ounce but less than a pound
of marijuana would increase to a maximum of three months in jail and
a $500 fine. The current penalty is up to seven days in jail and a $500 fine.

The new penalties compare with a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail
and a $500 fine for minors caught possessing alcohol. The marijuana
penalties apply to both minors and adults.

Statewide, there were 7,416 citations and arrests for possession,
sale and manufacturing of marijuana in 2006, according to the
Nebraska Crime Commission.