STATE SENATE APPROVES BILL DECRIMINALIZING SMALL AMOUNTS OF MARIJUANA

Hartford - A bill that would decriminalize but not legalize the
possession of small amounts of marijuana passed the state Senate
Saturday afternoon by the thinnest of margins and is headed to the House.

Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman, a Democrat, broke an 18-18 vote tie. The bill
sets a $150 fine for a first offense of possessing a half-ounce or
less of marijuana. Second-time offenders would be fined between $200
and $500 and required to enroll in a drug education program at their
own expense.

Violators who are under 21 would have their driver's licenses
suspended for 60 days.

Under current law, individuals holding less than 4 ounces of
marijuana face punishment of up to a year in prison and a $1,000
fine. That penalty would still apply to those caught with more than a
half-ounce but less than 4 ounces.

Sens. Edith Prague, D-Columbia, Andrew Maynard, D-Stonington, and
Andrea Stillman, D-Waterford, all voted in favor of decriminalization.

Several legislators said Saturday that they do not expect a medical
marijuana bill to have enough votes to pass this legislation session.