Illinois Senators on Thursday OK'd legislation that makes the possession of a small amount of marijuana subject to a ticket instead of a criminal charge across the state.
The House passed HB218 last month, and while Gov. Bruce Rauner said last fall that he was "open to the discussion," he has not indicated whether or not he'll sign the current legislation.
Under the measure, those possessing 15 grams or less of marijuana would receive a maximum fine of $125 and avoid arrest.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle have long advocated decriminalizing small amounts of the drug. Chicago police Supt. Garry McCarthy, however, has said he's "not a fan" of the idea.
