SB 1449 becomes law! Effective 1/1/2011
Great news Sea Mac:
SB 1449, a bill authored by Sen. Mark Leno, was signed into law by Gov. Schwarzenegger yesterday! SB 1449 reclassifies possession of under an ounce of marijuana from a misdemeanor to a civil infraction. This sensible change will ensure that responsible adults are not labeled as criminals for possessing less than an ounce of a substance that is proven safer than alcohol. Thank you to all who contacted your legislators and the governor urging them to support this important policy change.
Gov. Schwarzenegger signed the bill a month after the legislation was sent to him. SB 1449 previously passed the Senate 21 – 13
and the Assembly 43 – 33
. Both the Judicial Council of California and the state District Attorneys Association supported SB 1449, citing the judicial cost savings associated with changing the penalty as their motivation.
Finally, with only four and a half weeks until the election, it’s about time I respectfully remind you to get out and vote! The polls are showing that Prop 19
 the measure to make adults’ possession and cultivation of marijuana legal and to allow its taxed and regulated sales  is holding an encouraging, but slight, lead
. Other races will also have a huge impact on marijuana policy in the state; Los Angeles County Attorney Steve Cooley  who maintains that all sales of medical marijuana are illegal  is the GOP’s candidate for attorney general!
Every vote counts. If you have not already registered, or have questions about your voter registration, please visit the California Secretary of State’s website
. If you have not registered to vote, you have until October 18, 2010 to do so!
Thanks so much for all your time and energy. It sure is appreciated.