ACLU of Texas Statement on House Passage of Marijuana Reform Bill HB 63

AUSTIN – The Texas House of Representatives today passed House Bill 63 which would reduce criminal penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana.

Responding to today’s vote, ACLU of Texas smart justice strategist Nick Hudson stated:

“Today’s House vote in favor of HB 63 is a major step forward in reforming our state’s broken drug laws. Even a short jail stay can have repercussions that derail a person’s entire life, and Texas is currently wasting hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars arresting and jailing ordinary Texans for low-level marijuana possession. We also know that people of color are significantly more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than white people, despite similar usage rates. HB 63 will ensure that thousands of Texans no longer have their lives destroyed by facing jail time for minor marijuana possession, and we are grateful to the members who have supported it.”