State House endorses bill to make marijuana civil penalty

A proposed bill could change one ounce marijuana possession from a crime to a civil penalty.

AUSTIN, Texas (KTRK) -- Lawmakers in Austin are considering a big change to marijuana possession.

The bill would change one ounce of marijuana possession from a crime to a civil penalty. Those who are caught with one ounce or less would be fined $250. They would not be arrested.

The fine would increase to $500 for a third violation.

The bill has the approval of a House committee, but its future is uncertain.

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Did you know? Marijuana Edition

Studies have shown that more than one-third of U.S. residents age 12 and older have experimented with marijuana at least once, including nearly half of high school students.

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