In this TV ad for Texans for Responsible Marijuana Policy — https://www.TexasMarijuanaPolicy.org — a retired police officer explains why he supports legislation to reduce penalties for simple marijuana possession (HB 507).
Texas Hill Country resident Det. Russell Jones says law enforcement officials’ time and limited resources should be used to address serious crimes, not to arrest and jail citizens for possessing small amounts of a substance that is less harmful than alcohol.
HB 507 would remove the threat of arrest, jail time, and a criminal record for possession of up to one ounce of marijuana and replace them with a civil fine of up to $250. Under current Texas law, individuals found in possession of less than two ounces of marijuana can be arrested and given a criminal record, and they face up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
