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Bill to decriminalize drug possession approved in Maine House

Bill to decriminalize drug possession approved in Maine House

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


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.

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