Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Marijuana decrim bill on House agenda

Delaware Public Media

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.

Related Content