Proposed Bill Could Reduce Marijuana Penalties In Missouri

UNIVERSITY CITY, MO (KTVI)– The penalty for possessing a small amount of marijuana in Missouri would be reduced under a proposed law introduced Thursday in the Missouri House of Representatives.

A state representative from University City is sponsoring the bill.

Democrat Rory Ellinger says too many young people have trouble getting a good job because of a minor marijuana conviction.

His bill would keep that off a person’s record if they paid their fine and completed community service.

Ellinger’s measure is patterned after an existing marijuana penalty ordinance in Columbia, Missouri.