LOCKHART, Texas – Voters in Lockhart they supported a measure to deprioritize arrests and prosecutions for misdemeanors marijuana possession offenses by voting for Proposition A.

The City of Lockhart Proposition A (Lockhart Freedom Act) has
3,675 votes in favor and 1,733 votes against, with 100% of votes counted.

The Lockhart Freedom Act is expected to help people stay out of jail for possessing small amounts of marijuana. The decriminalization would apply to people caught with four ounces or less of marijuana.

Under Texas law, possession of marijuana is a misdemeanor for those with less than four ounces.

The passage could set up a legal battle with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Earlier this year, Paxton sued cities that passed similar measures, including Austin. A judge later dismissed the suit.

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Lockhart City Charter Amendment Special Election

Proposal A

The Charter of the City of Lockhart shall be amended to include Article XII, Section 12.01, Titled: “The Lockhart Freedom Act”; Article XII, Section 12.02, Purpose: Reform of Marijuana Law Enforcement by City Staff; Article XII, Section 12.03, Enforcement of Marijuana Offenses: Limiting Enforcement of Said Offenses; Article XII, Section 12.04, Safe Harbor: enforcement of possession of marijuana for Class A and Class B misdemeanors is the lowest enforcement priority; Article XII, Section 12.05, Exceptions to the enforcement policy: establishing exceptions to the enforcement of the policy; Article XII, Section 12.06, Handling of Evidence: Relating to Seizure of Evidence Suspected to Be Marijuana; Article XII, Section 12.07, No Citation for Accessories or Residues in Lieu of Possession Tax: Related to Such Citations; Article XII, Section 12.08, Prohibition on Use of City Resources for THC Concentration Testing: Prohibition on the use of City funds for such testing; Article XII, Section 12.09, Prohibition on Use of Smell of Marijuana or Hemp as Probable Cause for Search or Seizure: Relating to said prohibition; Article XII, Section 12.10, Training and Policy Updates: Requesting appropriate training regarding each of the provisions of this policy; Article XII, Section 12.11, Officer Discipline: permitting officer discipline for violation of said policy; Article XII, Section 12.12. Quarterly reports: requires certain quarterly reports; and, Article XII, Section 12.13, Separability: Is Separability Allowed?