Fine -- Not Jail Time For Small Amount of Marijuana

The Illinois House Restorative Justice Committee passed two bills recently which would impose a simple fine – not possible jail time –for possession of small amounts of marijuana. Both bills represent an important step forward in reducing the harm caused by the failed war on marijuana.

Voters are requested to encourage their representatives to support sensible legislation that would remove all criminal penalties and a harmful criminal record simply for the possession of a substance that is safer than alcohol.

One of the bills that passed, HB 5708, is sponsored by Rep. Kelly Cassidy and would remove all criminal penalties and any possible criminal record for possession of up to 30 grams of marijuana. This bill establishes a new class of offense called a “regulatory offense,” which would prohibit arrest or jail time, limit fines to no more than $100, and require that the ticket would be removed from a person’s record after the fine is paid – protecting employment and housing opportunities.

The other bill, HB 4299, is sponsored by Rep. Christian L. Mitchell and would also significantly lower penalties for a possession charge of up to 30 grams. While it would prevent arrests and jail time, a criminal offense would remain on a person’s record.

Please support removing criminal penalties for marijuana possession, and please pass this message to friends, relatives, and supporters in Illinois.