A bill that would have reduced the penalties for residents caught with small amounts of marijuana went down in the Wyoming House of Representatives. The bill to decriminalize possession of up to one ounce of pot and make it a $50 to $100 dollar civil fine, instead of a misdemeanor with a $1000 dollar fine and up to a year in jail, failed to receive the two-thirds vote for introduction. Cheyenne Representative James Byrd says decriminalization would lessen the burden on the judicial system, and reflect the way people see marijuana use in other states……..
The House also rejected a bill that would have allowed out of state residents who have a medical marijuana card or prescriptions from their home state to legally carry the drug in Wyoming. Byrd says despite the bill failing to receive the required two-thirds vote for introduction, he is pleased they were discussed……
The House has rejected decriminalization of marijuana bills for the last three years.
The House also voted to not consider a bill that would have allowed trapping of mountain lions. Supporters say the trapping of mountain lions would be one step in helping reduce the declining deer populations in Wyoming. Park county Representative Sam Krone says the trapping could be indiscriminate and trap other animals…….
The House did put their full support behind a bill for Kenny Sailors induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall Of Fame. Sailors, who recently passed away, is recognized as the inventor of the jump shot in basketball. Sweetwater County Rep. Stan Blake says he hopes the support will push Sailors over the top for induction into the Hall Of Fame…..
Sailors led the University of Wyoming to the 1943 National Championship.