Delaware Senate set to vote on marijuana bill

DOVER, Del. (WPVI) -- A bill to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana faces its next test in the Delaware legislature.

A vote in the full Senate is scheduled for Thursday.

The bill, known as HB 39, would eliminate criminal penalties and potential jail time for possession of one ounce of marijuana or less.

Instead, it would be a civil offense similar to a traffic ticket.

Possessing a small amount of marijuana would be punishable by a $100 fine with no possibility of jail.

Smoking pot in a moving vehicle, in public areas or within 10 feet of public property would remain a misdemeanor.

Under current Delaware law, possession of up to one ounce of marijuana is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $575 fine and up to three months in jail.

The bill cleared the Democratic-controlled House on June 2.

Governor Jack Markell has indicated that he will sign the bill if it reaches his desk.