House Republicans overwhelmingly signed off on a bill setting a minimum, mandatory fine for those convicted of simple possession of marijuana.

If an Idaho bill becomes law, the minimum fine for possessing even a small amount of marijuana will be higher than almost any other misdemeanor in the state, including a number of violent crimes, such as assault, battery, domestic violence and attempted strangulation.

A controversial bill, H-B 7, is advancing in the Idaho state legislature, proposing a mandatory minimum fine of $300 for possession of less than three ounces of

Possessing marijuana in Idaho could soon be punishable by a minimum $300 fine. Rep. Bruce Skaug, R-Nampa, introduced a bill Thursday to add the mandatory minimum penalty, because he said first-time offenders receive punishments with inconsistent sanctions. The new minimum fine would not apply to minors.

Tell me what state—anybody who debates against this bill—what state is a better place because of the passage of marijuana legalization?” By Clark Corbin, Idaho Capital Sun The Idaho House of Representatives voted largely along party lines Tuesday to pass a new bill that would create a mandatory minimum fine of $300 for anyone convicted