Gov. Rauner has approved a bill making small amount of marijuana possession punishable with fines, not jail. The new law means possessing 10 grams of pot or less will be a civil offense punishable with a fine of up to $200.

A week ago, Urbana aldermen approved lowering the fine for posessing small amounts of marijuana from $300 to $50.  Alderman Aaron Ammons calls the higher amount 'egregious', and said it disproportionately impacts African-Americans in the city.  The fine applies to someone with less than 30 grams of the drug.

State lawmakers are advancing another attempt to decriminalize possessing small amounts of marijuana, removing the possibility of jail time. But they face strong opposition from law enforcement and anti-pot advocates.

The Illinois House approved a measure that would penalize possession of small amounts of marijuana with a fine instead of arrest.