Voters in Lockhart and Bastrop, Texas, will join Dallas in deciding on marijuana decriminalization measures this November.
Activists in both cities have submitted well more than enough signatures to place their initiatives on the ballot. In Lochart, the signatures have already been certified, guaranteeing the measure’s place on the November ballot,
The Lockhart measure proposes to reduce penalties for possession marijuana, following similar efforts in several other Texas cities like Austin and San Marcos. The initiative aims to prevent law enforcement from arresting individuals found with up to four ounces of marijuana. Instead, they would receive a citation.
Bastrop’s proposal mirrors this approach, reflecting a growing trend across Texas to ease marijuana laws despite the state’s strict regulations. Also Bastrop’s signatures have not yet been verified, proponents say they’ve submitted more than double the required signatures.
The Dallas measure, put forth by the nonprofit political committee Ground Game Texas, is already officially certified for the November ballot. The proposal also seeks to decriminalize possession of up to four ounces of marijuana.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed lawsuits against five cities that have passed marijuana decriminalization ordinances. In Austin and San Marcos, Paxton’s lawsuits have already been dismissed by county judges.
