Committee backs $300 minimum fine for possession of 3 ounces or less of marijuana

The House Judiciary and Rules Administration Committee voted to send House Bill 7 to the floor with a due-pass recommendation after extended public testimony and debate on a mandatory minimum fine for possession of marijuana.

Representative Jordan Redmond (R-3rd District, Kootenai County) told the committee the bill "sets a minimum fine of $300 for adults in possession of three ounces or less of marijuana" and excludes juveniles under 18. He said the measure aims to "provide conformity for our judicial system and create a deterrent for a drug that is currently illegal in our state."

The bill attracted dozens of public witnesses representing veterans, patient advocates, law-enforcement organizations, criminal-defense attorneys and business interests. Speakers who opposed the mandatory minimum urged the committee to preserve judicial discretion and cited medical and financial hardships for low-income and disabled residents. "I believe we can do better by our veterans," said Joseph Evans of Kind Idaho, who…