Lawmaker to introduce pot decriminalization bill

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - An influential Indiana lawmaker says he'll introduce legislation that would reduce penalties on people found in possession of small amounts of marijuana.

Republican state Sen. Brent Steele of Bedford says he'll introduce a bill next session that would make possession of 10 grams or less an infraction, rather than a criminal misdemeanor. Ten grams is equivalent to about one-third of an ounce or roughly enough to make 20 to 30 marijuana cigarettes.

Senator Ron Alting says he always votes against any bill dealing with the legalization of marijuana.

However, he understands the penalty for a smaller crime may seem unfair.

"I've had many parents call and talk to me over the years, not denying that their son or daughter made a poor choice, but thought that the penalty for the crime itself didn't match,” Alting said.

Alting says he looks forward to reading Senator Steele's bill.

Many other states and college campuses already treat possession of small amounts of pot as an infraction, which means the offender is ticketed, not arrested.

Steele tells the Indianapolis Business Journal that in those states "society didn't melt down" or "turn into a drug-crazed culture."

Steele chairs the Senate committee on corrections, criminal and civil matters.