Tennessee pot prosecution bill clears key hurdle

Warning message

The subscription service is currently unavailable. Please try again later.

A Republican-sponsored bill that would make three or more convictions for simple possession or casual exchange of marijuana a misdemeanor rather than a felony passed a key hurdle on Tuesday.

With a unanimous 9-0 vote, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill that would make changes to the prosecution of those found guilty of possessing marijuana and other controlled substances three or more times.

The move is expected to decrease the state's incarceration costs by as much as $2 million, according to the bill's fiscal note.

The change  comes as part of a package deal. The heart of the bill was actually centered on enhancing the state's DUIs laws.

Current law hands out a Class E felony to any person with four of more DUI convictions. The bill would alter the state's law and give a Class C felony to anyone with six or more DUI convictions.

According to the bill's fiscal note, Tennessee annually averages about 456 convictions for four or more DUIs. If the changes proposed...

Rate this article: 
Region: 

This marijuana news is brought to you by 420 Intel. For the latest breaking cannabis industry news, subscribe to the 420 Intel newsletter. If you'd like to promote your product or service in this area after every article, contact us.