ALBANY (AP) -- New York Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos says the governor's proposal to reduce the penalty for public possession of a small amount of marijuana won't pass his chamber.
Skelos, a Long Island Republican, says it's wrong to cut punishment to a simple violation for having up to 25 grams of marijuana in the open.
However, Skelos says the Senate would work on a narrower measure ensuring that the lesser penalty applies when police order someone with a joint in his pocket to bring it out in the open.
Concealed possession of small amounts is a violation, subject to a ticket and $100 fine, while smoking or public possession rises to a misdemeanor.
Critics say New York City police have used the marijuana law to disproportionately arrest minority youths.
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