Legislative Update
By Chief Jennifer Tejada, Chair of the Law and Legislative Committee
It’ s hard to imagine an election that decided so much, but left more unanswered. Enormous questions remain at the national and local level. What impacts should we expect in California following the national election? How will the legalization of marijuana unfold?
What will the early release of felons under Prop 57 do to already hard-pressed police departments? And what course will the new members of the California Legislature take on law enforcement reform?
One thing for sure, the election may be over but there is plenty of work to be done.
Despite a tireless effort of Cal Chiefs leadership and staff, California joined the growing list of states to legalize recreational marijuana by approving Proposition 64. Today, adults over the age of 21 may legally possess up to an ounce of marijuana, and cultivate up to six plants. Additionally, penalties on transportation and sale have been reduced. Over the next year, the state will also have to develop regulations and state licensing standards for commercial sale and distribution. With the development of state retail licenses for marijuana, Cal Chiefs will have a chance to tighten the controls on commercial operations throughout the state. Additionally, we can expect numerous bills to be introduced next year to reinforce laws that guard against youth access and exposure to marijuana, and restrictions against smoking in public. If Colorado is any indication of what to expect, we can assume marijuana policy will be an ongoing debate for years to come.
10 California Police Chief | www. californiapolicechiefs. org