Assembly approves tougher pot sanctions (UPDATE)

By: Associated Press//January 21, 2014//

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MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Assembly has passed a bill that would expand municipalities’ powers to enforce marijuana ordinances after district attorneys decline to prosecute.

Currently municipalities can enforce ordinances prohibiting possession of 25 grams or less of marijuana or synthetic marijuana. But they can’t prosecute anyone who possesses more than 25 grams or for second-offense possession of any amount.

The Republican bill would let municipalities enact ordinances prohibiting possession of any amount and allow them to prosecute second offenses, giving them more options if prosecutors decide not to file criminal charges.

The Senate passed the bill in September. The Assembly approved it on a voice vote Tuesday. The proposal now goes to Gov. Scott Walker. A Walker spokesman didn’t immediately return an email message asking if the governor supports the bill.

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