Pubdate: Sun, 30 Mar 2003
Source: San Francisco Chronicle (CA)
Copyright: 2003 Hearst Communications Inc.
Contact:  http://www.sfgate.com/chronicle/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/388
Author: Glenn Backes
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n435/a07.html?1339

REDUCE POT PENALTY TO SAVE MILLIONS

Editor -- In your editorial, "Retool the pot law" (March 23), The Chronicle 
displayed good sense by urging legislators to save California millions of 
dollars and allow our justice system to focus on serious or violent criminals.

Senate Bill 131 by Byron Sher, D-Palo Alto, would make possession of less 
than an ounce of marijuana for personal use an infraction instead of a 
misdemeanor, and keep the fine at $100. This would mean far fewer jury 
trials for the petty offense of carrying cannabis. This commonsense reform 
would save taxpayers millions of dollars and free the courts to handle real 
crimes.

GLENN BACKES Director, health policy Drug Policy Alliance Sacramento
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom