Bastrop to ease misdemeanor marijuana possession charges after Prop M passes

Updated 6:44 a.m. Nov. 6

City of Bastrop voters indicated the majority are in favor of Proposition M, which calls to change how city police handle nonviolent misdemeanor marijuana possession.

Desiree Venable—a candidate in the Texas House District 17 race—submitted a petition to place it on the ballot. She said her goal with the proposition was to reduce racial profiling and help those who would otherwise be charged with misdemeanor possession from experiencing negative impacts, such as when applying for housing or jobs.

Posted 9:09 p.m. Nov. 5

Early voting results show 69.24% of the city of Bastrop voters cast ballots in favor of Proposition M, which aims to ease misdemeanor marijuana charges.

What it means

Known as the Bastrop Freedom Act, the proposed amendment to the Bastrop Home Rule Charter calls to change how city police handle misdemeanor marijuana charges.

Desiree Venable—a Democratic candidate in the Texas House District 17 who submitted a petition to place it on the ballot—said the goals include making misdemeanor marijuana offenses the lowest priority for enforcement and reducing the chance of unfair enforcement by creating clear rules for police actions regarding marijuana offenses.

According to the charter amendment, misdemeanor marijuana charges that would not be wrapped into Proposition M include:

• If the offense is part of a felony narcotics investigation that has been designated as a high priority by a commander, assistant chief of police or chief of police
• If the offense is part of the investigation of a violent felony

What's next?

According to Bastrop County Elections officials, 65.05% of registered voters cast their ballots in the Nov. 5 elections.

Polls closed at 7 p.m., although those who were in line at 7 p.m. were still able to vote.

All results are unofficial until canvassed. Visit bit.ly/Bastrop2024 to see results from all local Bastrop-area elections.