Connecticut could move one step closer to decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana.
The state legislature's Judiciary Committee is expected to vote on the proposal Tuesday, which would change the penalty for possession of less than one ounce of pot from a misdemeanor to an infraction.
A vote originally planned for Monday was postponed when a meeting ran long.
That would mean no jail time for those caught with less than an ounce and would cut the maximum fine from $1,000 to $121.
Supporters, including State Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney, say decriminalizing small amounts of pot would cut court costs and spare those caught from a lifelong criminal drug record.
Opponents argue it could encourage more people to try pot and send a message that Connecticut condones illegal drug use.
If the Judiciary Committee passes the bill, the entire General Assembly would have to vote on it before it would move to Gov. M. Jodi Rell.
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A spokesperson for Rell said she opposes the bill.
