January 30, 2015
Rep. Helene Keeley (D-Wilmington South) proposed the legislation last week because she said repercussions from possession of small ounces of marijuana shouldn't keep people from getting a job or financial aid, delawareonline.com reported.
House Bill 39 would liken possession of small amounts of the drug to a traffic ticket. Possession of an ounce or less would be a $100 fine. Selling or possessing marijuana with the intent to sell, however, would remain criminal offenses.
Keeley said she thinks a cultural shift calls for changing legislation.
"There are a lot of people out there who, instead of going home and having a martini, or going home and having a glass of wine, they want to go home and take a couple hits. For them that is just as relaxing as having a glass of wine."
Keeley proposed a similar measure at the end of 2014. It went through in a House committee, but was never debated on the floor.
Delaware Gov. Jack Markell has voiced support for the decriminalization of marijuana in the past.
Possession of 30 grams or less was decriminalized in Philadelphia on Oct. 20. The consequence in the City of Brotherly Love is a $20 fine. Smoking in public is $100, Philadelphia Magazine reports.
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