In a direct challenge to local democracy, the Texas Senate has passed a bill that would block cities and towns from placing marijuana decriminalization measures on local ballots. The legislation passed in a 23-8 vote and now heads to the House of Representatives, where it’s expected to face strong support from conservative lawmakers and opposition from cannabis reform advocates.
The bill would prevent local governments from proposing or adopting any charter amendment or ballot item that limits enforcement of state drug laws. This includes marijuana and any other controlled substances, regardless of whether the reforms are supported by local voters. The proposal is a direct response to a growing wave of grassroots initiatives across Texas cities where residents have voted to reduce or eliminate penalties for simple cannabis possession.
Under the bill, any city found to be in violation would face steep civil penalties: $25,000 for the first offense and $50,000 for each subsequent offense. The legislation would also create a complaint system for reporting violations and fast-track legal proceedings to shut down local reforms quickly.
Supporters of the bill argue that drug laws must be consistent statewide and that local decriminalization efforts create confusion and undermine public safety. They point to lawsuits already filed by the Texas Attorney General against cities like San Marcos, Austin, and Killeen, where voters passed cannabis reform measures that conflict with state law.
Opponents argue that the bill is a direct attack on voter rights and criminal justice reform. They say it silences communities seeking alternatives to outdated drug policies and blocks the only pathway available for change in a state where the legislature has refused to act. Advocates also point out that cities pursuing decriminalization have done so in response to high arrest rates, racial disparities, and rising public support for cannabis reform.
Texas remains one of the few states without legal medical or recreational cannabis, despite polling showing a majority of residents support legalization in some form. With the state government resisting reform, many communities have turned to the ballot box as a way to enact change. This bill threatens to shut that door entirely.
As the legislation moves forward, reform advocates across the state are rallying to defend local control and keep the momentum for change alive. What happens next in the Texas House could reshape the future of marijuana policy—and local democracy—for years to come.
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