ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo confirms his proposal to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana possessed in public is dead.
He had introduced the bill with much fanfare earlier this month. He noted that the misdemeanor charge for public possession was unfairly snaring New Yorkers in "stop and frisk" policing in New York City.
Possession of less than 25 grams of marijuana was reduced in state law to a violation in 1977, subject to a ticket and fine. If the pot is burning or in public view, it rises to a misdemeanor and can result in a lifelong police record.
Cuomo's proposal would make public or private possession of the small amount a violation, although smoking it publicly would remain a misdemeanor.
The Senate's Republican majority opposed the measure.
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