By Ruth Brown, Idaho Reports
The Idaho Senate passed a bill Tuesday to add a mandatory $300 fine for all misdemeanor possession of marijuana charges, sending the bill to the governor’s desk for his signature.
Sen. Brandon Shippy, R-New Plymouth, focused his debate on what he believes are the detrimental effects of marijuana and neighboring states that have legalized it.
“In not one state where marijuana is legalized has that state become (a) better, safer, more wealthy place to live,” said Shippy.
Shippy’s legislative district borders Oregon, where marijuana is legal, and he said his constituents are concerned about the drug’s prevalence and easy access in Idaho.
Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise, said marijuana is already illegal in Idaho and that fines are not a deterrent to crime.
“I do think it’s important to give the judge discretion to look at the evidence, look at the weight of the case to see what’s going on and determine is it a lesser crime or a greater crime,” said Wintrow.
Shippy said the legislature already sets a maximum amount that a judge may impose for misdemeanors, up to six months in jail and up to a $1,000 fine.
The bill passed in a 27-8 vote, with only Republican Sens. Jim Guthrie, R-McCammon, and Phil Hart, R-Kellogg, joining the Democrats in a “no” vote.
Ruth Brown | Producer
Ruth Brown grew up in South Dakota and her first job out of college was covering the South Dakota Legislature. She’s since moved on to Idaho lawmakers. Brown spent 10 years working in print journalism, including newspapers such as the Idaho Statesman and Idaho Press, where she’s covered everything from the correctional system to health care issues. She joined Idaho Reports in 2021 and looks forward to telling stories about how state policy can impact the lives of regular Idahoans.