Two bills were introduced today in the Iowa House of Representatives that aim to reduce penalties for marijuana possession in the state.
Filed by Republican lawmakers, the proposals take slightly different approaches but share a common goal of reforming Iowa’s marijuana laws.
House File 72, sponsored by State Representative Josh Meggers, would lower the penalty for possessing 10 grams or less of marijuana. Under the proposed legislation, such possession would be reclassified from an aggravated misdemeanor to a simple misdemeanor with a $500 fine. The bill eliminates the potential for jail time.
House File 78, introduced by State Representative Megan Jones, proposes a similar reduction in penalties but covers possession of up to one-half ounce of marijuana (approximately 14 grams). Like HF 72, it would reclassify such offenses as a simple misdemeanor with a $500 fine, eliminating the possibility of incarceration. This bill also seeks to repeal Section 124.410 and focuses on reducing the severity of punishments for low-level marijuana offenses.
Both bills have been referred to the House Public Safety Committee for further consideration.
