The Virginia House of Delegates passed a bill Feb. 10 that would decriminalize the possession of cannabis in the state.
H.B. 972, introduced by Del. Charniele Herring, would make the simple possession of cannabis punishable by a civil fine of $25 that can be paid like a parking ticket, according to a local ABC 13 News report.
The bill would make cannabis possession a civil penalty that does not go on an individual’s criminal record, and any former convictions would be sealed, the news outlet reported.
Under current law, those charged with cannabis possession could face a $500 fine and 30 days in jail for a first offense, according to ABC 13 News.
The House passed the bill in a 64-34 vote, the news outlet reported, and the Senate version of the legislation, S.B. 2, has passed both the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Finance and Appropriations Committee. It will now advance to the Senate floor for a vote.
