Bills newly introduced in the Vermont House and Senate would decriminalize marijuana.
The bills would make penalties for possessing small amounts similar to a traffic ticket.
Thirty-nine House co-sponsors, led by Progressive Chris Pearson of Burlington, are backing a bill that would decriminalize possession of up to two ounces, two mature plants and seven immature plants.
The Senate version, on which Senate Minority Leader Joe Benning is leading eight co-sponsors, would decriminalize possession of up to an ounce of marijuana.
House Speaker Shap Smith says he has misgivings about marijuana decriminalization. But he says he won’t block a bill from being debated by the full House if it is approved by the Judiciary Committee.