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More than 70% of voters authorized the proposition in November, which might apply to low-level marijuana citations
DENTON, Texas — Denton officials are divided on if the town can comply with a brand new regulation handed by voters in November which might decriminalize low-level marijuana possession.
City councilmembers went backwards and forwards Tuesday after a report from City Manager Sara Hensley on why the town and its police division can’t comply with the brand new regulation.
70% of voters authorized in November the plan that may decriminalize marijuana possession of 4 ounces or much less, ban utilizing scent as possible trigger and ban paying for testing substances for THC.
Austin, Killeen and a number of other different cities handed related propositions final 12 months in keeping with Hensley’s presentation.
Former City Councilwoman Deb Armintor is a part of Decriminalize Denton and says police ought to comply with the regulation till points come up.
“I hope that council tells the city manager and police chief no more excuses, no more BS, enforce his law. This is the will of the people,” Armintor mentioned earlier than Tuesday’s assembly. “Their job is to enforce this law. This is the way democracy work and if something is going to happen in the legal system, let it play out.”
From June 2021 to July 2022, police made 65 arrests involving marijuana in keeping with a metropolis supervisor memo. In the report offered Tuesday, Hensley mentioned they’ve made 23 arrests within the final 3 months and written 52 citations.
“I realize that the voters have spoken, I do understand that, but we don’t have the authority to implement it because of state law and the conflict,” Hensley mentioned.
Another thought councilmembers floated was to attainable alter the advantageous and courtroom prices related to marijuana possession as a workaround.
“I’m not going to sit here and say to the chief of police that you have to do something that is against your oath, that is against the police officers out in the field that are doing that every day,” Councilman Chris Watts mentioned.
Councilman Brian Beck pushed strongest for the ordinance, mentioning that a number of cities have efficiently carried out its use.
“My mandate is to clearly implement what the people tell as put before us,” Beck mentioned. “We were at 72% and 43 of 45 precincts,” Beck mentioned. “This have been one of the most overwhelming votes that we’ve had in recent history. The citizens of Denton want that.”
There was no vote in Tuesday’s work session and the problem may lead to authorized challenges from both aspect no matter the way it performs out.
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