Indiana: New bill would decriminalize small amounts of marijuana
just got this email alert from MMP - passing it along. pass, pass...pass.
Dear Supporter,
Senator Karen Tallian has taken an important step towards improving marijuana laws in Indiana by introducing SB 314.
http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2014/bills/senate/314/
This bill would reduce the penalty for possessing a small amount of marijuana to a civil fine. Please contact your state representative and senator and ask them to support her bill.
Link to the MPP petition site: https://secure2.convio.net/mpp/site/Advocacy;jsessionid=9037DAA691A3B8B44A19EC7EBA5AD9E4.app253b?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=2217
Currently, a person who possesses up to 30 grams of marijuana in Indiana faces up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. Indiana’s penalties are some of the harshest in the country. SB 314 aims to fix that by establishing a more reasonable approach. Under the bill, a person who possesses up to 2 ounces of marijuana could not be arrested or jailed and would only be subject to a fine of up to only $500. Importantly, a civil infraction is similar to a speeding ticket and is not considered a criminal offense — which could affect employment, housing, or student loans.
This legislation is a major step in the right direction for Indiana’s marijuana laws. Please take a moment and tell your legislators to support SB 314.
Then, please pass this message to friends, family and relatives in Indiana!