Rep. Kelly Cassidy wants to change the criminal code for people caught with marijuana. Her proposal would reduce the punishment for having less than 30 grams of the drug from a Class C misdemeanor to a 100 dollar ticket.
Anyone caught with larger amounts would be charged with a misdemeanor, rather than a felony.
"This will allow for certainty and uniformity in the state. It will also allow us to save significant money at the state and the local level, and put our criminal justice resources to much better use," Cassidy said.
The Democrat from Chicago says the law now prevents people charged with possession of pot from applying for schools or jobs.
The proposal passed a legislative committee, despite all four Republicans voting against it.