Austin City Council passes a Marijuana Policy reform.
The reform limits what Austin Police Officers can do when they find someone in possession of small amounts of Marijuana, though they can still cite and detain people under state law. The decision follows a statement by APD Chief Brian Manley, that the Council can’t tell his officers to ignore state law. Mayor Pro Tem Delia Garza said “I respect everything that APD does. But Council is responsible for deciding our policy and our priorities and how we use our resources.”
Austin Police Association President Ken Casaday was the lone naysayer warned there will be unintended consequences to this decision. “The false pretenses are already out there, stoked by the media, that its going to be legal to smoke marijuana in the city of Austin. Now your Chief of Police has told you, ‘No we’re not, its against the law.’” Despite the warning, Casaday pledged to support council when it pushes for legalization in the Texas State Legislature’s next session.
The council decision also means city dollars cannot fund Marijuana tests, unless it involves a violent or major felony.
Social justice advocates hail the decision as a step forward to equity.
It just passed!! The Austin City Council passed my proposal to eliminate testing for low level pot cases, effectively ending prosecution and penalties in our city. #atxcouncil pic.twitter.com/cN0yn7j5ZC
— Gregorio Casar (@GregCasar) January 24, 2020
(Photo:Shutterstock/Brandon Seidel)
