GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A new bipartisan effort has been introduced to decriminalize smaller amounts of marijuana in Wisconsin.
Right now, fine amounts vary across the state. This bill would change that, which would lead to higher minimum fines in some areas, including Green Bay and Appleton.
As Wisconsin’s Republican-controlled legislature continues to oppose the legalization of marijuana, some are hoping to take this smaller step in lowering the punishment for pot possession.
“This is kind of a middle ground bill that I think hopefully can get some traction in the legislature,” said State Rep. Shae Sortwell, R-Two Rivers, a sponsor of the bill.
Currently, the penalty for possessing up to 14 grams, or half an ounce, is a misdemeanor with a fine up to $1,000 and six months in jail. The proposed bill would change that to a fine between $100 and $250.
The bill also removes the possibility of a repeat offender becoming a felon. Any previous offense under 28 grams, or an ounce, would not be considered a repeat offense.
“Quite frankly, I hope it fails and I hope someone can push forward something a little bit more reasonable,” said Green Bay Alderperson Bill Galvin.
Two years ago, Galvin led an effort resulting in the city lowering pot possession fines below an ounce to $61 in court costs. That means this new bill would raise the minimum fine in Green Bay and other municipalities that took similar action.
“But it would also decrease it in other areas,” said Sortwell. “It would not be a misdemeanor. So it’s equalizing the penalty across the state.”
“We were making a statement with that fine and the public supported that,” said Galvin. “They’re not going to support raising it up. I just think this is going backwards instead of forwards.”
“I certainly trust our common councils and village boards and other local officials across the state of Wisconsin to make some of these decisions until we come to the point, I think where we should be ultimately, which is to legalize and regulate marijuana like we do alcohol,” said Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich.
A similar bipartisan decriminalization effort failed to gain any traction two years ago.
In April, Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said he wanted to introduce medical marijuana legislation this fall. So far, that hasn’t happened.
The bill also lowers the penalty for paraphernalia possession to $10.
It would also limit the liability for employers who choose to not drug test prospective employees for THC.
