Idaho Governor Brad Little plans to sign legislation that would establish a mandatory minimum fine for marijuana possession.
The proposal, House Bill 7, passed the state Senate on Tuesday with a 27 to 8 vote, having already been approved by the House 54 to 14. With its passage through both chambers, a spokesperson for the governor confirmed he will sign it into law. Even if Little decided to veto the measure, it has more than the two-thirds support required for lawmakers to override it.
Currently, possessing less than three ounces of marijuana in Idaho is a misdemeanor with fines of up to $1,000, but no set minimum. Once signed, House Bill 7 will establish a mandatory minimum fine of $300.
Under the new law, law enforcement and judges will no longer have the discretion to issue penalties below this amount, though harsher fines will still be allowed.
