First-time pot offenders escape jail time under Senate bill
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First-time pot offenders escape jail time under Senate bill

Date: April 7, 2014
By: Christina Turner
State Capitol Bureau

Intro: 
Getting caught with pot won't lead to jail time under a bill with first-round approval by the Missouri Senate. KMOX's Christina Santiago got the latest from the Senate floor.
RunTime:  0:39
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: First-time offenders with less than two ounces of pot would escape jail time under a bill before the state Senate.

The bill would change the penalty to a fine anywhere from $250 to $1,000.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Bob Dixon suggested current jail time is already being waived by judges.

Actuality:  BDIXON1.WAV
Run Time:  00:08
Description: "People aren't going to jail for these offenses now. But this $250 fine, minimum fine, may get their attention more."

The measure needs a second Senate vote before moving to the House.

This represents an eight-year battle by the Missouri Bar Association to revise state laws assessing criminal penalties.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Christina Santiago.

Intro: 
Posessing pot won't lead to jail time under a bill before the Missouri Senate. KMOX's Christina Santiago found out what could change for marijuana offenders.
RunTime:  0:41
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: First-time marijuana offenders with less than two ounces of pot would evade time behind bars under a Senate bill revising state criminal codes.

The bill would change the penalty for first-time possession to a fine of anywhere between $250 and $1,000.

Democratic Senator Jolie Justus says these changes make the state's criminal justice system more efficient and effective.

Actuality:  JJUSTUS1.WAV
Run Time:  00:09
Description: "It was a consensus document between public defenders and prosecutors who say that these are the appropriate penalties for the crimes that we have on the books in the state of Missouri."

The bill represents an eight-year effort by the Missouri Bar Association to revise state laws assessing criminal penalties.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Christina Santiago.