Lawmakers in the Maine State House have given their approval for a bill to decriminalize drug possession in Maine.
According to the Bangor Daily News, the 77-62 vote came Thursday. The proposal is similar to the model already in place in Oregon, where possession of scheduled drugs for personal use lead to a $100 fine or an assessment for treatment.
Here in Maine, the bill faces an uphill battle before it’s signed into law. Although it passed the Democrat-controlled House, Governor Janet Mills, Attorney General Aaron Frey, as well as many in law enforcement, have opposed it.
It faces more votes in both legislative chambers.