BOSTON -- The voters of the 4th Essex District surprised Rep. Brad Hill Tuesday when a majority supported a ballot question asking him to introduce a bill that would decriminalize marijuana use.

But the proposal, which would make marijuana possession a civil infraction instead of a criminal offense, still has a long way to go on Beacon Hill before it reaches the House floor.

Because the question was non-binding, Hill isn't required to sponsor the legislation. Hill, an Ipswich Republican who was overwhelmingly elected to his second term Tuesday, is personally opposed to the bill and doesn't expect he'll change his mind anytime soon.

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