The Vermont House is set to debate legislation that would remove criminal penalties for possession of up to an ounce of marijuana and replace them with a civil violation like a traffic ticket and a $300 fine.
The measure up for debate today also contains provisions designed to eliminate future collateral consequences like ineligibility for certain jobs or government benefits for those convicted of possessing up to two ounces marijuana, or up to four plants.
It also would target driving while smoking marijuana with a fine of up to $500.
The Senate is working on similar legislation, and Gov. Peter Shumlin has said he supports decriminalization of possession of small amounts of marijuana.
