A bill filed Monday morning will decriminalize possession of an ounce or less of marijuana in Texas. The bill, numbered H.B. 507, would make knowing or intentional possession of an ounce or less of marijuana a non-criminal offense with a civil penalty of no more than $100.

“Our current marijuana policy in Texas just isn’t working,” said Rep. Joe Moody (D, El Paso) the bill’s author. “We need a new approach that allows us to more effectively utilize our limited criminal justice resources. This legislation is a much-needed step in the right direction.”

Police are prohibited from arresting a person for possession of an ounce or less. Instead, they will issue a citation that gives a date for an appearance in a justice of the peace (JP) court. The JP court is a low-level court in Texas that typically hears traffic violations, minor juvenile issues and civil small claim matters. The court has the option of issuing the penalty, or may reduce or waive the penalty if the person agrees to attend an educational program or perform 10 or fewer hours of community service.

The person will not have a conviction on his or her record. The identity of the person found liable (not “guilty,” since this is not a criminal offense) will be confidential.

Read the rest of this post on Houston NORML’s site.