La Crosse County’s Judiciary and Law Committee has advanced an ordinance that would drop fines for marijuana possession and paraphernalia to just $1, with the measure now heading to the full county board for consideration next week.
The proposal, introduced by County Board Supervisor David Pierce, passed the committee by a 4 to 1 vote. If approved by the full board, the ordinance would significantly reduce penalties for those caught with small amounts of marijuana or related items, replacing costly fines and potential criminal charges with a symbolic $1 penalty.
Pierce said the move reflects both changing attitudes toward marijuana and the county’s priorities when it comes to criminal justice.
“In an ideal world, Wisconsin would join the growing number of states that have legalized or decriminalized marijuana,” Pierce said. “Until that day comes, this ordinance change is both practical and symbolic. It tells our community that La Crosse does not believe we should be spending taxpayer money, effort, and time on enforcing outdated marijuana prohibition laws.”
Supporters of the measure say the change will keep minor possession cases from clogging the justice system and help ensure law enforcement resources are directed toward more serious crimes. Pierce noted that while the county cannot alter state law, reducing local fines would provide marijuana users in La Crosse with a way to avoid criminal charges.
