AP 2-26,2016
Possession of marijuana brownies and other foods and beverages containing the drug would be a misdemeanor in Wyoming under a bill advancing through the Legislature.
The Wyoming Senate earlier this week called for making it a felony to possess more than three ounces of food or drink containing marijuana or its active ingredients.
But the House Judiciary Committee on Thursday stripped out the felony language. It called instead for imposing increasingly stiff misdemeanor penalties for repeated convictions.
The full House must act on the bill before a conference committee could try to resolve any differences between the House and Senate versions.
Lawmakers say Wyoming has seen a spike in possession of marijuana edibles and beverages since Colorado legalized recreational marijuana use in 2014. Montana allows medical use of marijuana.
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: The Senate gave final approval to a bill to require a $50 annual decal for electric vehicles. It now goes to Gov. Matt Mead.
BICYCLES AND PEDESTRIANS: The Senate gave final approval to a bill to create a task force to study bicycle and pedestrian pathways and natural surface trails in the state. The bill now goes to the governor.
GUNS: The Senate gave final approval to a bill that would exempt up to $3,000 worth of guns and ammunition from being taken by creditors in a bankruptcy proceeding.
ANTLERS: The Senate placed on the general file a bill that would make it a crime to trespass on private property to collect shed antlers. The bill already has passed the House.
WORKERS’ COMP: The Senate for the second time voted to approve a bill that would authorize the state treasurer to determine the percentage of the state’s worker’s compensation account to invest in common stock.
FIREFIGHTERS: The Senate gave preliminary approval to a bill that would specify that retired firefighters don’t need to provide written statements of eligibility to renew their license plates. The bill already has passed the House.
SENIOR CENTERS: The Senate gave preliminary approval to a bill that would exempt meals at senior centers from taxation.
SAGE BRUSH: The House placed on the general file a bill that would designate the Wyoming big sagebrush as the state shrub.
PURPLE HEART: The House gave initial approval to a bill that would authorize people who have been awarded the Purple Heart during their military service to receive lifetime bird, small game and fishing licenses without charge.
WOLVES AND GRIZZLIES: The Senate gave preliminary approval to resolution that would call on Congress to seek removal of the gray wolf and grizzly bear populations from listing under the Endangered Species Act. The measure already has passed in the House.