Bill to substantially decriminalize possession of small amounts of pot, in a rare move is challenged on 1st reading. Passes 32-4.

While it is rare that a bill on First Reading is discussed or voted on separately, it happened last night with the bill that would substantially decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana in Nashville.  Usually all bills on first reading are considered together and pass by a single vote. It is almost considered bad manners to oppose a bill on First Reading.  Bills are not analyzed by staff, or discussed in committee until after First reading. First Reading is a formality that gets a bill on the agenda. The marijuana bill survived a roll-call First Reading vote in the Metro Council by a vote of  32-4, with one abstention.