MIAMI (AP) _ Florida’s largest county is moving closer to moving marijuana offenses out of the criminal system.
A committee on Wednesday cleared a proposal to issue $100 citations for marijuana possession in Miami-Dade County. The proposal now heads to a final vote by the full 13-member commission on June 30. It would then proceed to Mayor Carlos Gimenez.
The Miami Herald reports the proposal still allows police to arrest someone with 20 grams or less of pot on a misdemeanor charge. But officers would have the option of issuing civil citations instead. The offender would either pay the $100 fine or work off the penalty with two days of community service.
Miami-Dade Police director J.D. Patterson supported the proposal during Wednesday’s meeting.
Miami Beach commissioners gave approval to similar rules Wednesday.
