The bill is now off to the Senate to be reviewed Criminal Justice Committee.

Today, the Texas House of Representatives voted to approve HB 63, which will reduce penalties for possession of 1 ounce of marijuana if passed in the senate and signed by the governor. The vote on the bill today was 98 in favor and 43 nays. This is a historic step forward in changing Texas’ current law, which puts all levels of possession at a Class B misdemeanor or higher, as it has been over 40 years since Texas has seen any type of decriminalization. Now that the bill has made it out of the House, it will move on to the Senate.

Contact your Senator and ask them to support this important legislation TODAY!​ 

There was an amendment​ made on the floor of removing automatic expungement but HB 63 will still accomplish no arrest, no jail time, and an opportunity to avoid a criminal record. Here are the highlights from Texas NORML:

• Possession of an ounce or less of marijuana would be a Class C Misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of $500, but no arrest or jail time.
• Upon payment of fine and plea of no contentre (or guilty), a case may be automatically deferred once a year, allowing the individual to avoid a criminal record if the judge’s orders are followed (completing community service and/or drug education course).
• Dismissed cases would not generate a criminal record, which can follow a person for life and jeopardize employment prospects, housing, and educational opportunities.
• Under this revised proposal, the offense wouldn’t qualify as a “drug offense,” which eliminates the trigger for DL suspension and other collateral consequence.

This is a vast improvement from current law, which penalizes even small amounts with an arrest, up to 180 days in jail, up to $2,000 in fines, and a permanent criminal record.

Contact your Senator and ask them to support this important legislation TODAY!​ 

Comment below with your thoughts on the vote.