Nashville lawmakers moved one step closer to decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana by pushing a bill through council and to other committees.
Metro Council members got their first look at a bill that would do just that on Tuesday, forwarding onto a second reading.
The law would significantly cut the penalties for someone found with a half-ounce of marijuana or less.
Currently, people charged with marijuana possession face a misdemeanor with up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine.
The ordinance, introduced by Councilman Dave Rosenberg and two other council members, would reduce that punishment to a fine of just $50.
“A criminal record for a simple mistake is something that follows people around for a long time, and makes it more difficult for them to get a job, earn a living and go about their lives,” Rosenberg said.
The bill was sent to the Metro Public Safety, Beer, and Regulated Beverages Committee.
