Illinois Lawmakers Give Pot Decriminalization Another Try
In this Oct. 3, 2012 file photo, marijuana plants are seen in Chicago where officers say they discovered two football fields worth of pot plants growing on the city's South Side. Illinois lawmakers are again trying to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana but face strong opposition from law enforcement and anti-pot advocates. Teresa Crawford/Associated Press
Illinois lawmakers are again trying to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana but face strong opposition from law enforcement and anti-pot advocates. The omnibus bill in the Senate also would set a standard for what's considered too high to drive.
Opponents of the legislation say there should be zero tolerance for using marijuana and driving and that decriminalizing pot sends the wrong message to youth.
The bill would make possessing 10 grams of marijuana a civil offense punishable by fines of up to $200.
Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed last year's decriminalization bill, which made possessing up to 15 grams of marijuana a civil offense and had lower fines.