Decriminalization delays
At issue now is the decriminalization bill, which does not specify penalties for minors who possess marijuana. Both legislative and gubernatorial sources said language is being worked out — most likely destined for a “clean-up bill” — to specify penalties for minors, as well as some other changes.
“There was no drafting error. That language was intentionally intended to protect minors,” said one lawmaker familiar with the back-and-forth. “And why is the governor waiting until now to bring this up?”
Amol Sinha, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey, was one of many who agreed with the language of the bill as it was passed. “Children should not be severely punished for something that is decriminalized or legal for adults. I understand the urge to create disincentives to prevent youth use of cannabis, but criminalization is not the answer … The goal, ultimately, is to make sure we’re reducing the number of kids in the criminal legal system and limiting the number of police interactions, which can escalate and lead to tragic outcomes, particularly for Black and brown children.”
Carl Golden, a longtime political player and now a senior contributing analyst for the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University (and NJ Spotlight News columnist), sees this dustup as another troubling example of a dysfunctional relationship between the governor and fellow Democrats in the Legislature.
“Wait a minute. This is a legitimate policy disagreement that’s being hashed out after the bill was passed. Now you’re saying, ‘Oops, we forgot?’” Golden said. “This speaks to the continuing disconnect between the two branches. The bill has been poorly handled for years.”
“We’ll be able to rectify this,” said Sen. Nicholas Scutari (D-Union), sponsor of the legalization bill, who declined to elaborate.