Illinois Lawmakers Pass Marijuana Decriminalization Bill

The House approved the measure, which previously passed the Senate, on a 64-50 vote

Legislation to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana in Illinois is on its way to Gov. Bruce Rauner's desk.

The House approved the measure Wednesday on a 64-50 vote. It had previously passed the Senate.

The bill would impose fines between $100 and $200 for possession of 10 grams or less of marijuana but no jail time. Rauner vetoed a bill last year that had lower fines and made possession of up to 15 grams a civil offense.

Rauner recommended the higher fines and lower threshold.

The bill also sets a standard for what's considered too high to drive. A driver's blood would have to contain 5 nanograms of THC, marijuana's intoxicating chemical, within two hours of consumption to be considered impaired.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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