E-Actions for Freedom

CA: California Legislature Considers Reducing Marijuana Penalties

From California NORML:

California Legislature Considers Reducing Marijuana Penalties

Tell Your Elected Officials to Support S.B. 131

The California legislature is about to take a crucial vote on marijuana decriminalization. The State Assembly is reconsidering a bill by Sen. Byron Sher, SB 131, which would downgrade possession of one ounce or less of marijuana from a misdemeanor to an infraction, like a parking ticket.

SB 131 would spare minor offenders the trouble of a court appearance and criminal conviction. It would also save taxpayers the court costs of trials for petty pot violations.

Last year, SB 131 passed the Senate, but fell 5 votes short of passage in the Assembly, due largely to lack of support among 'swing 'Democrats (Republicans voted solidly against it).

Now, SB 131 is up for reconsideration by the Assembly. Passage is essential for the progress of marijuana reform in Sacramento. If SB 131 is approved, it could open the way for more ambitious proposals, such as a bill to decriminalize personal use cultivation. If it fails, marijuana reform will be dead in Sacramento.

Californians who reside in swing districts are urged to contact their Assembly members in support of SB 131.

Letters are especially needed from constituents of the following 'swing' Democrats who failed to vote for SB 131 last time:

Dario Frommer (LA)
Cindy Montanez (SAN FERNANDO)
Lou Correa (ANAHEIM)
Manny Diaz (SAN JOSE)
Jerome Horton (INGLEWOOD)
Rebecca Cohn (SARATOGA - SAN JOSE)
Nicole Parra (BAKERSFIELD - HANFORD)
Barbara Matthews (STOCKTON - TRACY)
Sally Reyes (FRESNO)
Simon Salinas (SALINAS)
George Nakano (TORRANCE)