The Senate approved downgraded penalties for marijuana possession Wednesday, while rejecting an effort to decriminalize the substance.
Senators voted 38-1 to pass House Bill 2049. In addition to lowering the severity of first- and second-time possession, the legislation also strengthens punishments for some burglaries.
The bill that would lessen penalties on marijuana possession proved less controversial. The bill makes first-time marijuana possession a class B misdemeanor. It is currently a class A misdemeanor.