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HB 654

Marijuana; reduce penalties for possession of.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jeffery Harness and 1 co-sponsor

HB 654 would have reduced marijuana possession penalties in Mississippi but died in committee without advancing to a floor vote.

Died In Committee
#judiciaryb
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Bill Summary · HB 654

Legislative bill overview

HB 654 seeks to reduce criminal penalties for marijuana possession in Mississippi. The bill was referred to the Judiciary B committee in January 2025 but died in committee by February 2025, meaning it did not advance for a floor vote.

Why is this important

Marijuana possession penalties directly affect criminal justice outcomes, incarceration rates, and individuals' long-term employment and housing prospects. Mississippi currently maintains stricter cannabis penalties than many neighboring states, which influences both public safety priorities and criminal justice resource allocation.

Potential points of contention

  • Federalism and enforcement: Mississippi law must coexist with federal prohibition; reduced state penalties create jurisdictional complexity for law enforcement
  • Public health perspectives: Disagreement exists between those viewing reduced penalties as criminal justice reform versus those concerned about increased accessibility and youth use
  • Fiscal implications: Changes to penalty structures affect prison populations, court resources, and law enforcement priorities, with unclear budget impacts

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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