Conn. panel moves to decriminalize pot

HARTFORD, Conn., April 1 (UPI) -- A Connecticut legislative committee has voted to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana in a groundbreaking move, observers said.

The state legislature's judiciary committee Tuesday voted 24-14 to turn possession of less than a half ounce of pot by adults into a minor infraction with a maximum fine of $250 that could be paid by mail like a speeding ticket, The Hartford Courant reported.

Supporters, including Democratic Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney of New Haven, say the measure would save the state $11 million in law enforcement costs each year since far fewer people would need to be processes through the courts system, the newspaper said.

The decriminalization push, however, still faces a tough fight from Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell, who opposes relaxing pot penalties and two years ago vetoed a bill to allow the use of medical marijuana.

"Whether it's little or a lot, it is an illegal substance, and the governor does not support the bill," Rell spokesman Christopher Cooper told reporters Tuesday night after the vote.