POT BILL'S LIKELY TO VANISH IN THE HAZE

AUSTIN - Most legislators like to have a law-and-order bill to show
that they're tough on crime. In fact, dozens of bills already are
filed proposing increased penalties for everything from recklessly
shooting off a firearm to driving without windshield wipers.

And then there is the pipe dream of Rep. Harold Dutton,
D-Houston.

Mr. Dutton - in a Republican-dominated Legislature - has proposed a
bill that would lower the penalties for small amounts of marijuana.

"This bill says you shouldn't have it, but if you did, it shouldn't
make your whole life change," Mr. Dutton said.

Currently, people found with less than 4 ounces of marijuana could
face up to 180 days in jail, lose their driver's license and be
subject to drug testing. Mr. Dutton's bill would lower penalties to a
ticket and a fine for those found with less than an ounce.

Yes, he said, he knows this is a more conservative body, but he
believes there are intellectuals among them. "I hope it's a smarter
body," he said.

Mr. Dutton said he "hasn't done an assessment" on the chances of
passage. But at the very least, when the smoke clears, "I hope we will
have the chance to debate it."