Pubdate: Sat, 04 Jun 2011 Source: Day, The (New London,CT) Copyright: 2011 The Day Publishing Co. Contact: http://www.theday.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/293 Author: Jc Reindl Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) STATE SENATE APPROVES BILL DECRIMINALIZING SMALL AMOUNTS OF MARIJUANA Hartford - A bill that would decriminalize but not legalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana passed the state Senate Saturday afternoon by the thinnest of margins and is headed to the House. Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman, a Democrat, broke an 18-18 vote tie. The bill sets a $150 fine for a first offense of possessing a half-ounce or less of marijuana. Second-time offenders would be fined between $200 and $500 and required to enroll in a drug education program at their own expense. Violators who are under 21 would have their driver's licenses suspended for 60 days. Under current law, individuals holding less than 4 ounces of marijuana face punishment of up to a year in prison and a $1,000 fine. That penalty would still apply to those caught with more than a half-ounce but less than 4 ounces. Sens. Edith Prague, D-Columbia, Andrew Maynard, D-Stonington, and Andrea Stillman, D-Waterford, all voted in favor of decriminalization. Several legislators said Saturday that they do not expect a medical marijuana bill to have enough votes to pass this legislation session. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom