Wyoming Marijuana Decriminalization Killed, Penalty Reform Bill Advances
Wyoming State Capitol building, Cheyenne (Wikimedia Commons)
CHEYENNE, WY Marijuana possession wont be decriminalized in Wyoming anytime soon, but statewide penalties could be reduced for first and second time offendersunder a penalty reform bill that would also elevate some possession charges to a felony.
On Tuesday, the House Judiciary Committee considered multiple proposals that would change how low-level marijuana offenses are handled in the state, killing a bill to decriminalize possession but advancing a proposal to reduce some penalties and establish a tier-based fine structure.
Under current Wyoming law, possession of any amount of marijuana under three ounces is a misdemeanor that carries penalties of up to a year in prison and fines of up to $1,000. Possession of over three ounces, sale or distribution of marijuana is considered a felony.
The committee chose not to advance House Bill 157, the decriminalization bill filed byRep. Mark Baker (R-Rock Springs) and ten bi-partisan co-sponsors. The bill would have reduced the penalty for possession of up to three ounces of marijuana in the state from a misdemeanor to a civil violation punishable only by a $200 fine and no jail time.
The committee did, however, advance a proposal that would reduce marijuana first time penalties in the state andcreate a tiered system of penalties for successive low-level possession convictions.
Under the proposal, House Bill 197, those caught possessing up to three ounces of marijuana would still face fines and the possibility of jail time, based on the number of times theyve been convicted. While the penalties for first and second time offenses would be reduced, the proposal increases the maximum possible penalties for those caught three or more times.
First time offenses would be considered a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 20 days in jail and a fine of up to $200. A second offense within ten years would increase the penalty to up to six months in jail and fines of up to $750, but it would still be a low-level misdemeanor charge.
A third conviction would result in an elevated misdemeanor, bringing ...
