HB 541 (Marijuana Decriminalization)

OK I submitted mine and made a few small changes to the letter:

Currently, Montana law states that someone caught with less than 30 grams of marijuana can be sentenced to six months in jail. Recently, HB 541 was introduced. This sensible legislation will change this policy so that possession of a small amount of marijuana is punishable by a civil fine.

Our current law is often to harsh on small or first time offenders. A young adult caught with a small amount of marijuana could have the rest of their life put in jeopardy by a futile criminal record for an offense which is viewed by the public as not a big deal. Yet, the government, law enforcement, insurance companies, and many corporations will see this criminal record as a negation to the person.

By citing individuals caught with small amounts of marijuana rather than arresting them we will better utilize our law enforcement resources. Our law enforcement officials should focus their time and our tax dollars on violent crime.

I hope I can count on your support for this simple change in the law. Please vote in favor of HB 541 this year. Please have some empathy for the citizens that this law could affect. Thank you.


I also chose to have the message delivered via print instead of email

i dont smoke

Well, do you think the current laws are to tough? If so let our lawmakers know. If not, thats cool.

^ no one asked

he was just asking for your time to take a look and maybe shoot out an email thanks for the news man im gonna go have a look and see for myself

Please do, and if copy and paste everything I wrote and send it to anyone interested.

neither do i, and i still think our marijuana laws are fucking stupid.

my threads. ill send a letter after my homework, but i doubt it makes much difference, i saw the rep from my district speaking against it on the news today.

I don't care if you don't smoke.  It doesn't take marijuana to use common sense.  I'm gonna send a lengthy letter.  Good to see it is at least acknowledged.

Bump.

Click the one that didnt show up...

Taken from the NORML website:




NORML is pleased to announce that House Bill 541, an act reclassifying the possession of thirty grams or less of marijuana from a criminal misdemeanor to a civil infraction, has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee.

If passed, this proposal would reduce the penalty for minor marijuana possession offenses from a criminal offense punishable by up to six months in jail to a civil citation punishable by no more than a $100 fine.

Testimony in support of HB 541 was heard by members of the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, March 10. Unfortunately, on March 23, the committee deadlocked 9 to 9 to table the bill.

This action does not kill HB 541, as the committee can reconsider the issue if just one member of the committee is persuaded to change their vote.

According to our allies on the ground, "the most effective single action" you can take today to support HB 541 is to e-mail or call Rep. Bob Wagner (R-Harrison) and urge him to reconsider HB 541. For your convenience, talking points in support of HB 541 appear in the letter below.

Contact information for Rep. Wagner is here. Phone messages for legislators my be left at: 404-444-4800.

Further information on this measure is available from Montana NORML and Montana Patients and Families United at info@mtmjpatients.org.

Thank you for supporting NORML's marijuana reform efforts in Montana.