By Sahar Chmais

A cannabis decriminalization bill, House Bill 441, passed the Texas House of Representatives with 88-40 votes on Friday, April 30.

HB 441, introduced by State Representative Erin Zwiener, would lower the penalty for possession of one ounce or less of cannabis to a Class C misdemeanor. It would be punishable by a fine of up to $550 with no possible jail time or license suspension. Law enforcement would issue a citation, similar to a traffic ticket. 

“This piece of legislation ...