The Senate Committee on Corrections, Criminal and Civil Matters heard a bill Tuesday that would decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana in Indiana.

Senate Bill 347, authored by State Senator Karen Tallian, D-Ogden Dunes, was heard and discussed but no vote was taken on the bill.

SB 347 would lessen the penalties for possession of marijuana in Indiana. Following extensive testimony and review during a 2011 summer study committee, the proposal was drafted with the goal of reducing criminal penalties for personal possession of small amounts of marijuana. The impact could also mean less state and local criminal justice resources spent on marijuana-related arrests, prosecution and sentences.

“This legislation is a work in progress,” Sen. Tallian said. “Due to it being an election year and with so many contentious issues at the Statehouse, we wanted to continue laying the groundwork for the bill this year. The result of today’s testimony was very encouraging for the future of this proposal.”

The primary focus of the testimony was the benefits and potential job creation that would accompany the legalization of industrial hemp, a non-psychoactive plant that is related to marijuana. Plastics, biofuel and clothing made from imported hemp are already produced in Indiana. With lower costs these businesses could employ more Hoosiers.

The bill would make possession of less than three ounces of marijuana a Class C infraction with a fine, but no jail time. Possession of more than three ounces of marijuana would be a Class B misdemeanor, or a Class A misdemeanor if the person has two or more prior convictions involving marijuana in the past five years.

Tallian stated she intends to introduce similar legislation next year and continue work on reforming the state’s marijuana policies.

Posted 1/25/2012