Senators Say New Hampshire Senate Will Pass Marijuana Decriminalization

A couple of highly influential Senators are predicting that the marijuana decriminalization bill currently circulating the state’s legislative process will pass. It passed the House of Representatives in an overwhelmingly supportive vote of 318 – 36 earlier this month. Decriminalization bills have passed the House several times, but tend to fail when they reach the senate.

Senator Andy Sanborn and Senator Dan Feltes have faith that the decriminalization bill will pass the Senate this time around, according to NH1 Newsmakers. Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley also believes that the bill will pass this time around. Republicans have the majority in the senate (14 to 9), but haven’t made much fuss in opposition yet.

Senator Feltes said, “If we’re serious about making sure that low to middle income kids that get caught with possession one time, that their whole entire life isn’t disrupted in terms of employment, economic, housing, and educational opportunities, we’ve got to be serious about decriminalization.”

Senator Sanborn said, “I voted for it last time. I feel the same way. If someone’s caught with a small amount of marijuana, we don’t want to completely upend their life forever.”

He also said, “With this legislative session we have a number of new legislators. I think the feeling is this is the year it passes.”

Bradley said, “If you’re not a drug dealer and you have a small amount of marijuana, I can see that passing on a decriminalized basis in the Senate, but perhaps with escalating fines on a second and third offense. Somewhat more limited than what I believe the house is sending to us. I think that will pass the Senate.”

Senate Minority Leader Jeff Woodburn said, “I certainly can support it. It’s good legislation.”

Governor Chris Sununu will sign the legislation into law if it passes the required process and makes it to his desk. He supports decriminalization.