Washington State Bill to Decriminalize Marijuana Would Save Millions
Wednesday, January 14th, 2009 at 4:43 pm | By: Radical Russ
Three representatives introduced a bill in the state house this morning that would reduce the penalty for marijuana possession to a mere $100 fine. [Update: Nine additional co-sponsors have signed on.] Under current law, possessing as little as one joint is punishable by up to 90 days in jail. In Washington last year, 11,553 people were arrested on marijuana possession charges.
But can it pass?
This year seems an especially unlikely time for legislators to embrace liberal civil-liberty-lovin’ bills, considering the priority of bridging Washington’s $6 billion budget gap. But the financial crunch may prove a paradoxical windfall. Sponsors and advocates behind the bill intend to capitalize on the bill’s savings.
Representative Brendan Williams (D-22, Olympia), one of the bills co-sponsors, says he plans to “frame it in terms of the tradeoff in the budget discussion … and set a square alternative. He says conservative legislators could be attracted to the cost-saving argument for decriminalization more than ever. “Do you choose to provide health care for x number of children or fund criminalizing marijuana possession?” he asks. For example, Williams cites a cost analysis of pot busts taken from Washington State Institute for Public Policy data that shows, based on the number of arrests in 2007, Washington would save $7.5 million by passing the law.
via The Stranger | Slog | State Bill to Decriminalize Marijuana Would Save Millions.
Every activist needs to keep framing the marijuana issue as one of mistaken priorities. Don’t try to convince them pot smoking is good or that pot smokers don’t harm anyone, etc., even though it is true. Let them hold on to the notion that pot is bad, but force them to evaluate “how bad?” Is arresting potheads more important than educating kids? Than providing senior health care? Than fixing roads? If the average non-pot-smoking public ever begins to feel that every pot arrest is money flushed down the toilet, we win.
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Currently WA HB 1177 sits idel in the House Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee
Today I sent this letter to all members of that committee;
I write to ask you when House Bill 1177-2009-10 will be placed on agenda of your Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee? HB 1177 would reclassify possession of forty grams or less of marijuana from a misdemeanor to a class 2 civil infraction.
This bill shares wide support form your colleagues and would save the state $7.5 million, most certainly needed in these hard times.
In 2008 11,553 citizens of Washington where arrested for possession of a small amount of marijuana. Many citizens of this state believe this may not even be a crime.
I believe the weight of bearing a criminal record completely out weighs the threat posed by small marijuana possession.
Give the people in this state a chance to make mistakes, pay the price($100), and continue to live productive lives.
Just 1 criminal possession charge revokes a persons right to federal financial aid for college(Pell Grants). Many low income families rely on this aid to help provide an education to the future generation.
Just 1 criminal possession charge bars a person from ever holding many state and federal jobs dearly needed in this time of record unemployment.
Please ensure this bill get quick and fair action in you committee.
Thank You,Bryant Hand
I have recived one response so far, Rep.Sherry Appleton said;
“So far the Chair has no plans to hear it”
Of course I responded with a few more questions. I encourage everyone to write their own letters, encourage all committee members to push for action on HB 1177-2009-10.
Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee > http://www.leg.wa.gov/House/Committees/PSEP/membersstaff.htm
Find your WA State Rep. > http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/Default.aspx
Track WA HB 1177 > http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1177&year=2009#documents
[...] in the Washington State House of Representatives, three congressmen [now up to 12 co-sponsors] introduced a bill that would effectively decriminalize marijuana. Instead of taxpayers funding the arrest, [...]