ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Orlando city council members have approved a proposal to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana.
The Orlando Sentinel (http://goo.gl/b3eKOK) reports that the measure passed by a 4-3 vote Monday. It will take effect in October.
The new law calls for a $100 fine for a first-time offense and a $200 fine for a second offense. A third offense, or more, would require a court appearance or a fine as high as $500. A previous version of the measure passed last month had called for only a $50 fine for a first-time offender.
The ordinance also includes a diversion program, which would allow offenders to perform community service or take a substance-abuse education class to avoid paying the fine.
Orlando joins several other Florida cities and counties in decriminalizing marijuana.
---
Information from: Orlando Sentinel, http://www.orlandosentinel.com/