Milwaukee Judiciary Committee approves resolution to lower marijuana possession fine to $1

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee County leaders on Thursday, March 11, discussed lowering the fine for marijuana possession to $1. 

The Milwaukee County Board Judiciary, Safety and General Services Committee approved the resolution after hearing remarks from Supervisor Sylvia Ortiz-Velez's resolution. 

The current Milwaukee ordinance sets the fine for marijuana possession as not less than $250 nor more than $500. 

The resolution would apply to violations of 25 grams or less of marijuana. 

"We also know that under our existing ordinances, some individuals may not be able to afford the fine and fees associated with marijuana possession which may result in their case being sent to collections, many times it's unlikely to be collected by Milwaukee County and it can affect a person's financial situation," said Ortiz-Velez. 

Law enforcement would still be able to issue state citations for possession of larger amounts. 

The resolution is expected to come before the full Milwaukee County Board at on March 25. 

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