(SitNews) - The Alaska State Senate has passed Senate Bill 30, which updates state laws to decriminalize marijuana while ensuring the public safety of communities by providing clear rules for the public and peace officers.

“Senate Bill 30 protects all Alaskans-those who legally use marijuana as well as those who have concerns about public safety,” said Senate Majority Leader John Coghill, R-North Pole. “This bill upholds the will of the voters while addressing such issues as: How do we handle someone who tries to give it to someone under 21? What should happen to someone who drives under the influence of marijuana? In a nutshell, SB30 decriminalizes marijuana for people who use it the way the voters intended and describes what is going to happen if you misuse it.”

The Senate Judiciary and Finance Committees held 15 hearings altogether on SB30.

“First and foremost, we focused on making sure the intent of the voters was met while keeping our communities safe. I think this is a good bill in that regard,” said Judiciary Committee Chair Senator Lesil McGuire, R-Anchorage. “However, I want to clarify for the people of Alaska, the Legislature will continue to work on this issue. Just as we have with alcohol every year, we will continue to work on strengthening laws that protect our citizens and communities.”

“This is a process that requires careful consideration. In the following months, the ABC Board will write hundreds of regulations to further fill in gaps left by the initiative,” said Senator Coghill. “Senate Bill 30 is not a perfect bill. It’s a work in progress that implements the initiative.”

SB30 now heads to the House for further consideration.

Edited by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

On the Web:

SB30
http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.
asp? bill=SB%20%2030&session=29

Source of News:

Alaska Senate Majority
www.akleg.gov

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