Marijuana Legalization Louisiana: Overhaul Of State's Strict Drug Offender Laws Debated By ...

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Louisiana has always played hardball when it comes to punishing small-time drug offenders, but that could soon change. The state House's Administration of Criminal Justice Committee voted 10-4 Wednesday to approve a bill that would soften the state’s restrictions on people convicted of possessing small amounts of marijuana. The proposal is next expected to go to the House floor for debate, the Times-Picayune reported.

House Bill 149, introduced by state Rep. Austin Badon, a Democrat, would reduce the maximum sentence for repeat marijuana offenders -- people convicted of possessing pot for a second time -- from five years to two. Third-time offenders would face a maximum sentence of five years instead of 20. "This is a well-studied measure to produce reform and reduce recidivism," Badon told the Times-Picayune. Supporters of the bill say it could save taxpayers millions of dollars over the next five years.  

Louisiana has...

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http://www.ibtimes.com/marijuana-legalization-louisiana-overhaul-states-strict-drug-offender-laws-debated-1912289