Voters in Austin, Texas approved a measure May 7 that outlaws the enforcement of low-level cannabis possession crimes, as well as no-knock warrants, according to a local KVUE report.
The ballot initiative, put forth by Ground Game Texas, read:
“Shall an initiative ordinance be approved to (1) eliminate enforcement of low-level marijuana offenses and (2) ban the use of ‘no knock’ warrants by Austin police?”
The measure passed with 85% of the vote, KVUE reported.
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While the initiative does not legalize adult-use cannabis in Austin, it bars law enforcement from issuing tickets and making arrests for low-level cannabis offenses, including the possession of small amounts of cannabis, unless the offense is tied to a more severe crime, according to the news outlet.
Police officers in Austin will no longer be authorized to issue citations for most Class A or Class B misdemeanor cannabis possession offenses under the measure. Texas law states that the possession of between 2 ounces and 4 ounces of cannabis is a Class A misdemeanor, and the possession of 2 ounces or less is a Class B misdemeanor, KVUE reported.
The new law takes effect immediately, according to the news outlet.
