Denton City Council Repeals Cannabis Decriminalization Ordinance
In a closely contested decision, the Denton City Council has repealed an ordinance aimed at decriminalizing low-level cannabis possession. The original measure, known as Proposition B, was passed by over 32,000 voters in November 2022, intending to curb arrests and citations for minor possession offenses and prevent city funds from being used for THC testing. Despite strong public support, the council voted 4-3 to rescind the ordinance amid mounting pressure from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who has been actively challenging similar laws in other Texas cities, including Dallas, San Marcos, and Austin.
Legal and Community Reactions
The decision to repeal has sparked significant debate within Denton. Council members Brian Beck, Paul Meltzer, and Brandon Chase McGee opposed the repeal, arguing that it disregards the will of the voters. Beck emphasized that repealing the ordinance preemptively is unnecessary, while insisting that local governments should uphold democracy. Meltzer reinforced his commitment to representing the voters’ choice, acknowledging the potential legal challenges ahead but affirming the need to explore judicial options fully before conceding.
City Administration’s Perspective
The primary argument for the repeal, as articulated by Denton Mayor Gerard Hudspeth, centers around the fiscal burden of defending an ordinance not actively enforced by the city. Despite his vote to repeal, Hudspeth has instructed the city attorney to allow police some discretion, enabling officers to issue a Class C citation for drug paraphernalia in lieu of a possession charge. This adjustment aligns with broader practices being adopted by local courts and prosecutors, such as offering deferred sentencing and expungement opportunities for cannabis-related records.
This decision marks a pivotal moment for cannabis policy in Denton, reflecting broader tensions statewide as local governments strive to balance legislative endeavors with state-level opposition. Canna Daily News will continue to monitor developments in this evolving legislative landscape, providing comprehensive insights and updates as the situation unfolds.
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