The Austin Freedom Act of 2021 Could Decriminalize Marijuana

There's a petition in Austin working to further decriminalize marijuana, but they need the peoples help to make it happen.

Ground Game Texas, a new coalition that prioritizes workers, wages, and weed has launched a petition to decriminalize marijuana in Austin. The petition needs 20,000 signatures by July 20 to be placed on the citywide ballot initiative, but the group is aiming for 25,000 just in case.

Under the Austin City Charter, residents have the power to adopt laws directly through the initiative process. Once placed on the citywide ballot initiative, voters could choose to vote on the “initiated ordinance” to change Austin city law. The measure will eliminate enforcement of low-level marijuana offenses and ban dangerous “no knock” warrants.

In January 2020, Austin succeeded in taking the first steps to decriminalization of marijuana. The Austin city council met and passed agenda item 59, a proposal that would eliminate low-level marijuana cases. In July 2020, a memo from Austin Police Chief Brian Manley, stated that residents of Austin would no longer receive citations or be arrested for misdemeanor marijuana possession.

Despite the memo, some say Austin Police aren't holding up their end of the bargain.

“Texans are fed up with their communities being over-criminalized and over-incarcerated by antiquated, racist laws and the politicians that protect them,” said Julie Oliver, executive director of Ground Game, in a press release. “While Republican leadership in Austin fails to address our broken policing and criminal justice systems, Ground Game is proud to put progress directly on the ballot for voters. With their support, we will end the discriminatory enforcement of marijuana possession in Austin and bring an end to the dangerous use of no knock warrants that put our community at risk.”

If you are a resident of Austin and would like to see marijuana decriminalized, then you can sign the petition. There's just 3 easy steps:

Step 1. Download the petition.

Step 2. Sign the petition.

Step 3. Mail the petition to Ground Game Texas.

Change doesn't happen over night, it takes time and diligence. Be the change you want to see.

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