It seems that activists have gathered sufficient signatures to present the issue of marijuana decriminalization on the voting ballot in three additional cities in Texas.
NORML reports that voters in Bastrop, Dallas, and Lockhart may get the opportunity to decide whether to ban local police from arresting individuals for low-level marijuana possession if recently circulated petitions are approved by officials. The decision will be made at the November ballot box.
Similar measures have already been approved by voters in Austin, Denton, Elgin, Killeen, and San Marcos. These proposals were added to local ballots through petition drives by reform groups.
As the voting in Lubbock progressed,
In May, a referendum was held regarding a measure that was similar in nature.
Due to its association with a comprehensive package of criminal justice reforms that faced resistance from various business associations, the decriminalization bill failed to pass in 2023.
Back in February, Attorney General Ken Paxton of Texas took legal action against the decriminalization measures that were approved by voters in Austin, Denton, Elgin, Killeen, and San Marcos. Paxton made allegations that the cities were promoting illicit drugs that could harm their respective communities. However, a district judge in Travis County dismissed Paxton’s suit after stating that the Republican attorney general had no legal grounds to file the case. Paxton is expected to appeal the decision.
In the United States, possession of small amounts of marijuana can still result in imprisonment in only 19 states, including Texas.