A bipartisan group of Wisconsin lawmakers has formally introduced Assembly Bill 861, a measure to decriminalize marijuana possession. The bill, sponsored by Reps. Shae Sortwell (R), Sylvia Ortiz-Velez (D), and Dave Considine (D), along with Sen. Lena Taylor (D), aims to replace criminal charges for possession of up to 14 grams of cannabis with a $100 civil penalty. Currently, the offense can result in a maximum $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail.
The proposed legislation would allow individuals caught with marijuana to pay the $100 fine without appearing in court, treated as a plea of no contest. Additionally, the bill prevents courts from counting possession convictions for up to 28 grams, eliminating repeat offender charges for small amounts. For larger amounts, the bill reduces imprisonment time for repeat convictions from three and a half years to 90 days. Lawmakers hope this limited, noncommercial reform will gain support in Wisconsin’s GOP-controlled legislature, potentially alongside a separate medical cannabis bill expected in January.
By FCCT Editorial Team
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