GARY, Ind. (AP) — A proposal to decriminalize marijuana in Gary fell one vote short of passage amid concerns that it would overstep Indiana law.
Gary City Council members voted 4-4 this week on the proposal to reduce the criminal penalty for marijuana possession in the northwestern Indiana city by lowering the fine to $100 for people found in possession of 15 grams or less of marijuana. It also would have eliminated jail time.
Councilwoman Lavetta Sparks-Wade tells The (Northwest) Indiana Times she abstained from voting because the council's attorney advised the council that it would circumvent state law.
Council attorney Rinzer Williams says the proposal was "a glaring attempt to usurp" Indiana's restrictive home rule law that bars local municipalities from reducing penalties outlined in state criminal statute.
Related Content
- Proposal to decriminalize marijuana in Gary fails by 1 vote
- Indiana township merger bill fails without legislative vote
- At high-level Vatican meeting, rights groups ask for Pope's help decriminalizing homosexuality
- As Florida sheriff comes under scrutiny, proposal to ban some weapons fails
- Indiana lawmaker proposes bill to count dead people's votes
- Did Loren Gary attempt to kill a Tippecanoe Co. Deputy?
- Loren Gary found guilty on all counts including attempted murder
- Loren Gary sentenced for attempted murder of deputy
- Cash-strapped Gary schools sells model of Picasso sculpture
- Police in Gary seek public help to address rising homicides