A coalition of Senators introduced legislation (Senate Bill 2535) to decriminalize the personal possession of marijuana for adults.
Under this proposal, activities involving the possession and/or distribution of up to one pound of cannabis would be subject to a written warning. A subsequent offense would be punishable by a civil fine of no more than $25.00.
Offenses involving the possession or distribution of larger quantities of marijuana would also be reduced. Separate provisions in the bill, reportedly “also bars police from stopping and searching people because they smell weed, and allows those on probation or parole to use marijuana without it impacting their release.”
Separate decriminalization legislation is also pending in the Assembly, A1897 (up to two ounces).
Both decriminalization bills are awaiting action in the Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by Senator Nick Scutari.