Virginia lawmakers are pushing a piece of modest marijuana reform this session that would eliminate the possibility of a person losing their drivers license based on a conviction for marijuana possession.
According to a report from Capital News Service, there has been some action in the House and Senate to eliminate that pesky portion of the states current law that insists a person should not be allowed the privilege of operating a motor vehicle if they happen to get busted holding a little weed.
Last week, in a vote of 38-to-2, the Senate approved a measure supported by Democratic Senator Adam Ebbin and Republican Senator Bill Stanley intended to change this portion of the law. A House version of the bill, filed by Delegate Les Adams, also made some progresssuccessfully finding its way out of meeting with a leading subcommittee.
It is no secret that Virginia has some of the most severe pot laws in the nation.
First offenders caught with less than a half ounce of the herb can be slapped with a misdemeanor drug charge, which comes with a punishment of up to 30 days in jail and fines reaching $500.
Whats more is the state continues to punish these people long after they are released from the slammersuspending their drivers license for six monthseven if they accept a plea deal and take part in a deferment program.
Reports show that nearly 40,000 people in Virginia lose their driving privileges every year as a result of drug related offensemost of which are for minor marijuana possession.
The goal of these bills is to ensure adult pot offenders are given a second chance afterviolating the states drug laws. After all, the loss of a drivers license can prevent the afflicted from maintaining gainful employment and taking ...
