4568523 Public Hearing Notice on B20-409, “Simple Possession of Marijuana Decriminalization Act of 2013”

COUNCILMEMBER TOMMY WELLS, CHAIRPERSON

Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety

 

ANNOUNCES A PUBLIC Hearing ON

 

Bill 20-409, The “Simple Possession of Marijuana

Decriminalization Act of 2013”

 

Wednesday October 23, 2013

6:30 – 9:00 p.m.

Anacostia Neighborhood Library

1800 Good Hope Road SE, Washington, D.C. 20020

 

RECONVENING

Thursday, October 24, 2013

11:30 a.m.

Council Chamber, Room 500

John A. Wilson Building

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C.  20004

 

            Councilmember Tommy Wells, Chairperson of the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, will convene a public hearing on Bill 20-409, the “Simple Possession of Marijuana Decriminalization Act of 2013” on Wednesday, October 23, 2013, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Anacostia Neighborhood Library, located at 1800 Good Hope Road, S.E. Washington, D.C., 20020. The hearing will reconvene on Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. in the Council Chamber, Room 500, of the John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20004. 

 

            The purpose of this hearing is to receive public comment on Bill 20-409, which would amend the DC Uniform Controlled Substances Act and related provisions to make the possession of less than one ounce of marijuana a civil offense subject to a $100 fine, rather than a criminal offense as it is today. The bill would also mandate participation in a drug awareness program for minors found in possession of less than one ounce of marijuana. Bill 20-409 may be viewed online at http://dcclims1.dccouncil.us/images/00001/20130712104415.pdf.

 

The Committee invites the public to testify. Individuals and representatives of organizations who wish to testify should contact Tawanna Shuford at 724-7808 or [e-mail], and furnish their name, address, telephone number, and organizational affiliation, if any, by 5 p.m. on Monday, October 21, 2013. Witnesses should bring 15 copies of their testimony. Testimony may be limited to 3 minutes for individuals and 5 minutes for those representing organizations or groups. If you are unable to testify at the public hearing, written statements are encouraged and will be made part of the official record.  Written statements should be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, November 1, 2013 to Ms. Shuford, Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, Room 109, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, D.C., 20004, or via email at [e-mail].