Politics & Government

Assemblyman Katz Votes In Favor of Bill Lowering Marijuana Penalty

Assemblyman Steve Katz (R, C, I – Yorktown), who accepted a plea deal after he was ticketed for marijuana possession earlier this year, has voted in favor of a bill that would decriminalize small amounts of marijuana. 

The bill passed in the Assembly by a vote of 80-59. The bill would lower the penalty of publicly possessing marijuana – fewer than 15 grams – from a misdemeanor to a violation, Katz' spokesperson Joseph Ahern told Patch.

"Rather than requiring excessive time and effort by our police force to deal with a small amount of marijuana, violators will be issued a ticket for a court date, which law enforcement has indicated will bring clarity to the current policy and make enforcement easier," Katz said in a statement. "While this bill does not change much of our current law, it is my hope that this bill will promote a broader discussion of our state's policies."

Katz, 59, was ticketed for unlawful possession of marijuana and speeding when he was stopped for speeding on New York State Thruway in the town of Coeymans on March 14 at about 10 a.m.

While driving northbound on I-87, Katz was traveling at 80 mph in a posted 65-mph speed zone, police said. After noting the odor of marijuana, a trooper found Katz in possession of a small bag of marijuana. 

As part of the deal, Katz received 20 hours of community service and a $75 fine.

The potential change in the marijuana law would not have applied to Katz' case, according to his spokesperson. 


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