Pubdate: Sat, 15 Dec 2012 Source: Seattle Times (WA) Copyright: 2012 The Seattle Times Company Contact: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/409 Note: from the The Associated Press POT-LEGALIZATION DEBATE CONTINUES IN OTHER STATES (AP) The votes in Washington and Colorado last month legalizing marijuana were just the latest developments in the debate over marijuana use in the United States. Lawmakers and activists in some other states are contemplating their next moves in regards to marijuana. A sampling of that activity: RHODE ISLAND: Under a law that takes effect April 1, adults in Rhode Island caught with an ounce or less of marijuana would face a $150 civil fine, and a state representative has said she plans to reintroduce legislation to legalize marijuana. INDIANA: Key lawmakers from both parties plan to introduce measures next year that would decriminalize possession of small amounts of the drug. Republican Sen. Brent Steele says the state should focus its strained resources on violent crime rather than pot smokers. VERMONT: Gov. Peter Shumlin and many lawmakers are pushing for decriminalization, in which those caught with small amounts of marijuana would be given something akin to a traffic fine rather than facing a criminal charge. House Speaker Shap Smith has opposed decriminalization, but this week he said he is willing to have a debate. MONTANA: Medical marijuana is allowed, and a proposal to make the recreational use of pot a constitutional right has been refiled. Republican state Sen. Jeff Essmann doubts Montana voters will go the way of Colorado and Washington. OREGON: Key lawmakers in Oregon have agreed not to try to legalize pot next year and will instead wait to see what happens in Colorado and Washington. In the meantime, legislators will evaluate proposals from activists with an eye on potentially introducing a legalization measure in 2014. PENNSYLVANIA: Two medical-marijuana bills died in committee during the just-ended legislative session, but a state senator who sponsored one of them said the Colorado and Washington measures will help pave the way for similar laws in other states. Democratic Sen. Daylin Leach said he intends to resurrect his bill to allow marijuana use for medical purposes and to sponsor a bill to decriminalize the drug. However, Republican Gov. Tom Corbett's spokesman, Kevin Harley, said Corbett would veto any bill to legalize marijuana, even for medical reasons. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D