Idaho’s full House of Representatives voted today to approve legislation that would establish a mandatory minimum fine for possessing less than three ounces of marijuana.
The House voted 54 to 14 on House Bill 7, sending the measure to the state’s Senate. Approval through the Senate will send the bill to Governor Brad Little.
Under current Idaho law, possessing less than three ounces of marijuana is a misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000, with no set minimum. This has led to some judges issuing fines as little as $1 or $2, something that proponents of HB 7 argue encourages cannabis use.
House Bill 7 would “remedy” this by establishing a mandatory minimum fine of $300. Law enforcement and judges would not have the discretion to issue a penalty lower than the $300 fine, although they could issue harsher penalties.
For more information on House Bill 7, including its full text, click here.
