DC Mayor Signs Marijuana Decriminalization Bill
Andera Swearengin
Possession of marijuana had previously been a misdemeanor with a penalty of up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Gray signed the bill just one day before Washington residents hit the polls in a crowded primary election, Reuters reports. The mayor is seeking a second term amid a campaign-finance scandal.
Several advocacy groups have praised the bill, arguing it will help reduce racial profiling. African Americans are eight times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession in D.C., according to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
Bethlehem is divided between Lehigh County and neighboring Northampton County. Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli, who favors statewide decriminalization of the drug, has said he will not take a position on local marijuana ordinances and is open to allowing local jurisdictions enforce the laws as they see fit.
During my years as Governor, a bill to legalize marijuana in New Hampshire has never garnered enough bipartisan support to reach my desk. I have never vetoed legislation to legalize recreational marijuana. In 2017, I was proud to be the first Governor in New Hampshire history to sign legislation decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana so that no one would go to jail for simple possession. We expanded access to medical marijuana and provided a pathway to annul old convictions for marijuana possession.
A roll call vote is taken on final action of bills. The Council President then signs the legislation and returns it to the City Clerk. The City Clerk reviews the legislation once more, then sends it to the Mayor.
"This expansion of our medical marijuana program is patient-centric and patient-first," said Senator Joseph Vitale. "With these long overdue reforms, we will treat patients with the dignity they deserve, recognize the full benefits of cannabis and ensure that compassion is a mainstay in New Jersey's medical marijuana program. It is critically important that we provide relief to those with qualifying conditions right now, and this bill becoming law will do just that. "
After the Mayor signs the bill, assuming he does, it will take effect one year later. Companies with New York City employees would need to modify their drug-testing policies before the effective date to comply with the law.
While such laws are widespread on the West Coast and in New England, no state in the mid-Atlantic region has decriminalized pot. In the district, 10 of the 13 councilmembers have signaled their support for the decriminalization bill.
A City of Albuquerque Marijuana Decriminalization Measure ballot question will likely not be on the November 4, 2014 election ballot for voters in the city of Albuquerque in Bernalillo County, New Mexico. Although the city council voted to put this measure on the ballot, Mayor Richard Berry (R) vetoed the resolution.[1] There is, however, a non-binding question asking Bernalillo County voters if they approve of decriminalization of marijuana use.[2]
The issue of marijuana decriminalization may be highlighted by the race for governor. Current Gov. Susana Martinez (R) - the incumbent in the state's upcoming gubernatorial race - has come out against decriminalization efforts, especially local efforts that put city laws at odds with federal law. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gary King, however, approves of decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana.[6]
According to Gilberto Montano, the chief of staff for Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry (R), the mayor was seriously considering vetoing this measure, as well as the entire legislative package approved by the council. Although this measure and a measure seeking a tax increase for social services were the main sources of Berry's displeasure with the city council's decision, some contend that the mayor is not legally able to veto parts of the package, but must veto all five measures if he is to put a stop to the ballot measure seeking marijuana decriminalization. The mayor had until August 29 to decide whether he will allow this measure to go to voters or not. Ultimately, Berry decided to veto the bill, which is the first veto of an election resolution in the history of New Mexico. The city council needs a six-three vote at its next meeting to override the veto.[1][3]
Krauss was mayor of Bozeman when it tackled the medical marijuana issue. Bozeman restricted medical marijuana shops to industrial areas away from schools. He said if I-182 passes, cities can still enact necessary marijuana shop restrictions through zoning laws.
On May 11, 2023, the New York City Council passed a bill which would prohibit height and weight discrimination within employment, housing and public accommodations under the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL). As of this writing, the bill has been sent to Mayor Eric Adams for signature, who has 30 days to either sign the bill, take no action or veto it. If the mayor signs or takes no action, the bill becomes law and would take effect 180 days thereafter. In the event of a veto, the bill is sent back to the Council, which can override the veto with a two-thirds vote.
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