State Sen. Janne Myrdal, R-Edinburg. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)
(A bill that sought to reduce penalties for possessing small amounts of marijuana in North Dakota failed in the Senate Wednesday on a 33-13 vote.
House Bill 1596 would have reduced the penalty for possessing less than a half ounce of marijuana from a criminal infraction to a noncriminal citation, similar to a speeding ticket, and a $150 fine.
The bill also spells out other reduced penalties for other low-level marijuana possession offenses, varying based on the amount and the age of the person. Possessing 500 grams of marijuana or more would remain a Class A misdemeanor under the bill.
Court hearings for low-level offenses would not be required, but a person could still choose to appear in court. Bill sponsor Liz Conmy, D-Fargo, previously said the proposal aimed to reduce the amount of time judges and attorneys spend on minor marijuana possession offenses, which often result in a $150 fine but can require three court appearances.
Sen. Janne Myrdal, R-Edinburg, voted against the bill and said law enforcement agencies were also opposed to the measure. She pointed to the defeat of recreational marijuana ballot measures and said the bill would go against the people’s wishes.
