The Latest: New Jersey Senate delays marijuana bill
TRENTON, N.J. — The Latest on a bill to legalize recreational marijuana in New Jersey (all times local):
12:55 p.m.
New Jersey’s Senate president says there are not enough votes to pass a bill to legalize recreational marijuana in the state. The vote in that chamber has been postponed.
Senate President Steve Sweeney said Monday that he remains committed to passing the law and will continue to work to do just that.
Leaders and Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy back the measure, but some lawmakers were hesitant.
A vote was also scheduled in the state Assembly Monday, and it was not clear how that was affected.
If the bill passes, New Jersey would join the District of Columbia and 10 other states.
The bill calls for a tax of $42 per ounce, sets up a five-member regulator commission and would offer expedited expungements to people with marijuana-related offences.
——
10:15 a.m.
A vote to legalize recreational marijuana in New Jersey is hours away, but the governor and legislative leaders are still courting lawmakers.
The Democrat-led Senate and Assembly have scheduled votes Monday on the legislation backed by Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, but its passage is far from certain.
Murphy said last week he’s been trying to persuade hesitant lawmakers to back the bill but still doesn’t have the votes needed.
Murphy says if the bill fails or falls short, he’d continue to try to persuade people. But it’s unclear when another vote could take place.
New Jersey would join the District of Columbia and 10 other states if the measure succeeds.
The bill calls for a tax of $42 per ounce, sets up a five-member regulator commission and would offer expedited expungements to people with marijuana-related offences.