By Adam Studzinski
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate has brought back legislation to reduce penalties for low level marijuana offenses.
State Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) supported similar legislation last year. That bill passed through the legislature, but got an amendatory veto from the governor. Barickman explained the new legislation includes some of the items the governor suggested in that veto.
“This would lessen the penalty on someone who is using marijuana infrequently, versus those on the other extreme who are selling and distributing,” he said.
Barickman added there is a potential monetary advantage should the bill be approved.
“This is an opportunity for us to save somewhere between $20 and $30 million by reducing those who are incarcerated in both our jails and our state prisons,” Barickman said.
Barickman is optimistic the bill will again receive bipartisan support in both chambers, and will be signed into law.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at adam.studzinski@cumulus.com.
