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WNIJ's summary of news items around our state.

Illinois Lawmakers Pass Marijuana Decriminalization Bill

Illinois is poised to decriminalize people caught with small amounts of marijuana.  The Illinois House approved legislation Wednesday.

As it stands now, Rep. Kelly Cassidy says Illinois has a patchwork. Each city handles pot possession differently.

"That permit some people to get tickets for very low level possession, some people to get arrested," Cassidy said.

Cassidy, a Chicago Democrat, says her legislation will create a threshold "…under which arrest is not an option. Tickets would be the way to go."

Someone caught with 10 grams or less of cannabis would have to pay a fine of between $100 and $200.

The measure is headed to the governor's desk. The General Assembly passed similar legislation last year, but it failed after Gov. Bruce Rauner used his amendatory veto.

He may be more apt to sign this version into law because it addresses his previous concerns.

Amanda Vinicky moved to Chicago Tonight on WTTW-TV PBS in 2017.
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