Decriminalizing marijuana in Delaware will be among the first issues House lawmakers deal with when gaveling back in Tuesday.
The bill from Rep. Helene Keeley (D-Wilmington South) has landed on the House agenda before, but only in the early morning hours of July 1 last year just before lawmakers recessed for the rest of 2014.
Since the General Assembly reconvened in January, Keeley has made a concerted effort to bring the bill back. It would allow anyone to carry up to an ounce of pot and only be given a 100 dollar fine if caught.
Smoking weed in public would still be a criminal act, with a punishment of up to five days in jail and a 200 dollar fine.
Keeley tried to alleviate some concerns from opponents by generally limiting people to smoking in their homes and would forbid users from smoking too close to a public sidewalk or open window, regardless of whether they’re on private property.
The bill made it through a committee hearing in May, with law enforcement agencies opposing it.
House lawmakers reconvene Tuesday at 2 p.m.