Current List of Pre-Filed Bills and Joint Resolutions
What is a Joint Resolution?
What can YOU do?
Pre-Filed Bills and Joint Resolutions
HB81/SB170 – Civil Penalty – takes possession of 1 ounce of marijuana or less out of the criminal realm and turn it into a civil offense by eliminating the arrest, jail time, and criminal record associated with low-level marijuana possession. Participate in our Action Alert!
SB 269 / HB 2107– Medical Cannabis Inclusion – will allow for comprehensive, whole plant medical cannabis access for all patients with debilitating conditions. Participate in our Action Alert!
HB 2200 – Affirmative Defense – would allow for medical defense to be used in court for patients and caregivers while also protecting doctors who choose to discuss cannabis with their patients. Participate in our Action Alert!
HB82 – Reclassify (B to C) 1 Ounce or Less – aims to classify a conviction for possession of one ounce or less of marijuana as a Class C misdemeanor instead of Class B. However, if a person is convicted three times, it would revert back to a Class B misdemeanor.
HB 680 – Reclassify (B to C) 0.35 Ounces or Less – aims to classify a conviction for possession of 0.35 ounces or less of marijuana as a Class C misdemeanor instead of Class B,
HB58 – Marijuana Possession Court – would create a specialty court for certain first-time marijuana possession offenders based on the principle that first-time defendants are often self-correcting.
HB 780 – Zoning Regarding Texas Compassionate Use Program – would prevent localities from adopting zoning ordinances regarding cultivation, production, dispensing or possessing high CBD / low THC cannabis that would have the same effects as prohibiting it in the area.
HB3587 – Industrial Hemp – related to the growing, processing and selling of industrial hemp
SJR17 / HJR 46– Voter Initiative Allowance (Retail) – would allow voters to decide whether marijuana should be legalized in Texas. (see below to learn more about what a Joint Resolution is.)
SJR 18 – Voter Initiative Allowance (Medical) – would allow voters to decide whether to legalize marijuana for medical use if recommended by a health care provider. (see below to learn more about what a Joint Resolution is.)
What is a Joint Resolution (SJR/HJR)?
Joint resolutions are used to propose amendments to the Texas Constitution and requires a vote of two-thirds of the total membership of each chamber for adoption. A joint resolution takes the same course through both chambers as a bill and is like a bill in all respects, except that, in the house, if it receives the required number of votes at any reading after the first reading, the resolution is passed. Three readings are required to pass a joint resolution in the senate. Joint resolutions passed by the legislature are not submitted to the governor for signing but are filed directly with the Office of the Secretary of State (SOS). The SOS conducts a drawing to determine the order in which the proposed constitutional amendments will appear on the ballot. It is then put on the ballot for the citizens of Texas to vote on in the General Election.
Therefore, a Joint Resolution has a much higher barrier than a bill to reach before being enacted.
What can YOU do?
Not sure who represents you? Find out here. You can also fill out our Activist Information Form so that we can send you targeted alerts during the 2017 Legislative Session.
