TX Lt. Governor: Marijuana Bill Is DOA In Senate

(Austin, TX) — Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick is killing a bill which decriminalizes some marijuana possession.

Patrick posted on Twitter that House Bill 63 was dead and called it a step towards legalizing pot. The bill would fine people 250-dollars for possessing less than an ounce of pot, but it would not be considered a criminal conviction.

The Texas House passed the bill Tuesday on a bipartisan vote. Supporters of the bill say they still plan to try to round up votes from enough senators to put the legislation over the top. Patrick, a Republican who presides over the Senate, can prevent the bill from coming up for floor debate.