Democrats push for pot decriminalization in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, Democratic lawmakers and others are pushing for decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana in Wisconsin.

But the measure they unveiled Wednesday is going nowhere in the Republican-controlled Legislature.

Barnes and others say decriminalizing the possession of less than 28 grams of pot would decrease racial disparities and inequities in the criminal justice system. They also say it will decrease barriers to employment and higher education that those with felony convictions for possession face.

But Republican legislative leaders are opposed to decriminalization. They killed a proposal Democratic Gov. Tony Evers made earlier this year.

Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald says he’s long opposed decriminalization and doubts the latest bill will win support among Republicans.