HB 3242 Seeks to End Jail Time for Small Cannabis Possession in Texas

24 February 2025

Texas Representative Joe Moody (D) has filed House Bill 3242, which would decriminalize the possession of up to one ounce of cannabis by reducing it to a Class C misdemeanor, carrying only a fine of up to $500 with no risk of arrest or incarceration. Currently, possession of marijuana in Texas is classified as a Class B misdemeanor, which can lead to jail time and higher fines. This legislative push is part of a broader effort to reform Texas cannabis laws, as multiple bills addressing decriminalization, medical marijuana expansion, and cannabis legalization have been introduced in the 2025 legislative session.

Moody has previously championed similar legislation, with past efforts passing in the Texas House but failing in the Senate due to opposition from Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick (R). The new bill follows a wave of local decriminalization measures across Texas cities, which have faced legal challenges from the state’s Attorney General. Public opinion polls indicate strong support for marijuana reform, with 69% of Texans in favor of decriminalization. Despite widespread local and public backing, the fate of HB 3242 will largely depend on whether Senate leadership is willing to consider the measure.