RICHMOND — The Richmond City Council on Tuesday unanimously threw its weight behind a state Assembly bill that would bar local agencies from assisting federal authorities to enforce marijuana laws.[related_articles location=”left” show_article_date=”false” article_type=”automatic-primary-tag”]
AB 1578, authored by Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), would prohibit state and local agencies from using their resources to assist a federal agency to investigate, detain, detect or arrest people for cannabis-related activities that are authorized under California law. It also would bar local agencies from turning anyone over to federal authorities for the purpose of marijuana-related enforcement, absent a court order.
The Richmond council resolution, which passed 7-0, was sponsored by Vice Mayor Jovanka Beckles and Councilman Melvin Willis. In addition to supporting AB 1578, it commits the city to work toward adequate health care for every resident; and to “promote, protect and ensure the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities.”
