I recently wrote an article about the absolute sham that is the Texas marijuana "reform". I am happy to report that it seems our lawmakers do, actually, listen to us. During the prefile time period for the upcoming 85th legislature, multiple bills have been submitted for marijuana policy change. For marijuana in Texas, this past election was a good one; seating numerous pro-pot advocates into our House of Reps and Senate. Bills have been filed to decriminalize, create new courts for first time offenders, legalize, and expand (and reword) our already existing medicinal program.
Two men really stand out from the mix; Rep. Moody and Sen. Rodriguez. This is Rep Moody's 2nd time filing a bill on behalf of reform. His latest, HB 81, would remove the criminality of possession charges up to an ounce. Instead of a jailable offense, the consequences would be lowered to a civil citation and fine of $250. This is, if nothing else, perfect. If we could save the wasted resources spent on incarcerating minor marijuana possession, the state could focus on bettering Texas as a whole. We could spend that saved money on more effort to take down large drug trades (hard drugs), or child trafficking, or even put some money into our failing K-12 public schools. If our law enforcement didn't have to be so distracted with these non-violent crimes, they could be out doing their jobs and protecting us from the real dangers that lurk in every city. Also, to take away the criminal conviction and background would allow so many people to move forward with their lives. The way our system works now, if you have a minor possession charge you are disqualified from home buyers assistance, finacial aide to attend college, job opportunities and more. It just isn't fair that even if someone was sent to jail, paid their fines and completed probation, for the next 7-10 years their lives are put on hold. They are incapable of moving forward; and the pursuit of happiness is taken from them.
Sen. Rodriguez created a companion bill to Moody's; SB 170. This would also decriminalize and set up a civil punishment of a $250 fine for minor possession. Having a bill in both chambers is a wonderful advancement, and hopefully a good indicator of success. Rodriguez has also filed SJB 17, which would allow the citizens of this great state to vote on legalization rather than have the legislature decide for us. This would also be a fantastic idea since around 80% of Texans are in favor of legalization.The only issue there is, will enough people show up to vote? I would like to think that maybe they will. I hope they will. Following in the style of SJB 17, Rodriguez has also filed SJB 18; which would, again, allow voters to vote on legalization; but this time it would be for medical marijuana. We would vote to establish a system much like other successful states. Once again, the question to this however, is will the people show up to vote?
I am hopeful that during this next legislative session, something for the benefit of all will trump the nastiness of several other proposed bills. There are legislators who have filed the most inane, religiously backed, discriminatory bills; but if we could take just one step further into marijuana reform.....maybe there could be a silver lining that Texas could move forward and become more progressive. We are the laughing stock of the nation because of how regressive and backwards we are; so lets try to catch up.
