Legislation is pending in the Senate, SB 105, to reduce felony marijuana possession offenses to a fine-only misdemeanor.
Under state law, the possession of over one ounce of marijuana is classified as a felony offense — punishable by a minimum of one year in jail and up to ten years in prison and a $ 5,000 fine. Senate Bill 105 would reduce this penalty to a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum fine of $ 300.
“SB 105 fits squarely with Georgia’s criminal justice reform efforts,” the sponsor stated in a press release. “Georgia has made great strides, but there is still much room to improve in the way that we treat drug offenses. This bill does not impair public safety, but will save many Georgians from having their lives destroyed from a felony conviction. It is my sincere hope that SB 105 can receive bipartisan support and will become law in Georgia.”
Please use the pre-written letter below to urge your lawmakers to support this common sense sentencing reform effort.
Additional information on state reform efforts is available from Peachtree NORML here.
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws – Advocacy Campaigns
