A Texas State Representative from El Paso has filed a bill for the upcoming 2015 legislative session that is seeking to reform marijuana policy by reducing penalties for possession of small amounts of the plant.

Joe Moody of El Paso filed the bill on Monday, December 15, citing the failure of Texas’ current policy as a contributing factor.

“We need a new approach that allows us to more effectively utilize our limited criminal just resources,” said Moody. “This legislation is a much-needed step in the right direction."

Moody announced details of the bill at a press conference with members from Texans for Responsible Marijuana Policy in Austin. Under the legislation, the penalty for being arrested with up to one ounce of marijuana would be a $100 fine instead of jail time.

According to Moody, currently individuals can face up to six-months imprisonment for being arrested with less than two ounces of marijuana in Texas.

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