ATLANTA (January 4, 2016) | On Tuesday, December 29, 2015, Sen. Harold Jones II (D – Augusta) pre-filed Senate Bill 254 to eliminate felony marijuana possession in Georgia.
“In no way would my bill legalize the possession or selling of narcotics,” said Senator Jones. “It would eliminate the draconian penalties that accompany a felony arrest and conviction. From having your voting rights suspended to losing eligibility for federal and state benefits, like food assistance, the cost of regulating marijuana as a felony outweighs the negligible benefits.”
Currently, 10 states do not have felony possession laws on the books. The treatment of marijuana possession varies greatly state to state. Possession of 1 ounce or more is classified as a felony in Georgia. First-offense felony possession minimums range from “any” in states like New Mexico to 960 ounces in Louisiana.
Prior to the Georgia Senate, Sen. Jones served as the solicitor general for Augusta, the first African-American to be elected to that position.
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For Immediate Release:
January 4, 2016
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
Brett Johnson, Broadcast Specialist
Brett.Johnson@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028