Texas Bill Filed to Allow Counties and Localities to Legalize Marijuana

Texas State Representative Jessica González has filed House Bill 1937 which would allow counties and municipalities to adopt an order or ordinance that would legalize the recreational use of cannabis within their jurisdiction.

The bill directs the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation to adopt all necessary rules for the administration and enforcement of this bill, including licensing, regulation, testing standards, and transportation.

State Representative Jessica González issued the following statement: “Twenty-one states in America have legalized cannabis, and twenty-seven states have decriminalized the use of cannabis. In a recent study, a majority of Texans supported some form of legalization of cannabis use. While Texas has made progress with the Compassionate Use Act, we have been left behind on a potential revenue source that would increase investments in public education, stop unnecessary arrests for cannabis possession, and create jobs in our state. We should allow our local communities to make the best decision for themselves regarding cannabis legalization, and House Bill 1937 would allow that for adults 21 years or older.”

House Bill 1937 imposes a 10% tax on cannabis products, and revenue is directed as follows: 10% to cannabis regulation, 10% to cannabis testing and quality control, 20% to participating local governments for the purpose of oversight, and the remainder to the Foundation School Fund.

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