ALBANY, N.Y. - Republican majority in the State Senate said late Wednesday afternoon that it would not pass Governor Andrew Cuomo's bid to decriminalize possession of marijuana in small quantities. The majority leader, Dean G. Skelos said that the bill is in need of serious revisions and that the chamber will not pass it in its original draft.
Mr. Skelos told the New York Times, ""Being able to just walk around with 10 joints in each ear, and it only be a violation, I think that's wrong."
The bill proposes to decriminalize the possession of 25 grams or less of marijuana, changing its status from a misdemeanor to a violation. Cuomo argues that the current law has resulted in far too many arrests, which consequentially has had a negative impact on the employment and education chances of young men particularly from the minority (since most arrest have been from the minority community).
The New York Times reports that in 2011, the NYPD has arrested more people for the possession of marijuana in small quantities than for any other defense. The number according to the newspaper exceeds 50,686.
Last week, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the New York Police Department as well as top prosecutors have voiced support for the legislation. This unexpected support was expected to harbinger bi-partisan unity for the bill, however this has not happened. In any case, their support carries a lot of significance and will bolster chances of a compromise. The bill has also been endorsed by the Assembly Speaker (a democrat), Sheldon Silver.
Negotiations are expected to take place before June 21st i.e. the end of the legislative session.
