Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy said he expects to sign a bill that would decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana.
The measure received final legislative approval Tuesday, passing the House of Representatives 90-57, the Hartford Courant reported. Under the law, which would take effect July 1, possession of half an ounce or less would call for a fine of $150 for a first offense and between $200 and $500 for subsequent offenses.
LaResse Harvey, policy director for A Better Way Foundation, which lobbies for treatment instead of prison for drug offenders, said the bill "restores justice."
"It will have a dramatic impact on a variety of communities, especially the black and Puerto Rican communities,'' she said.
The state Senate added provisions aimed at discouraging teenagers and young adults from smoking pot. Those under 21 caught with marijuana would lose their driver's licenses for 60 days.
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