The bill passed with a bipartisan vote of 5-2.

An email sent out today by Texans for Responsible Marijuana Policy informed its subscribers that HB63 was “amended by the Criminal Jurisprudence Committee and now allows an individual to receive two civil penalties ($250 fine) before facing Class C Misdemeanor charges for subsequent offenses. Even after three or more charges, though, Rep. Moody’s bill institutes an automatic deferral, allowing the individual to avoid a permanent criminal record.”

Even though the bill passed the committee with a bipartisan 5-2 vote, if this measure is to make it past the house and senate it will need support. You can help take action by contacting your representative and telling them to co-author and support HB63. 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.

As Texans for Responsible Marijuana Policy has stated: “if passed by the House and Senate, Texans would no longer face jail time or the collateral consequences that come along with a criminal drug conviction! Please ask your representative to co-author HB 63. “