A number of new laws went into effect across the state yesterday. Perhaps the most publicized is Constitutional Carry, which allows anyone who was able to conceal a firearm with a Concealed Carry Permit to carry concealed without a permit. Another, less publicized law, forbids the court system from handing down jail time to first time offenders convicted of possessing a small amount of marijuana. The new legislation classifies 35 grams or less of marijuana a Class ‘D’ misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum fine of $500. Before the new legislation, the charge was punishable by up to one year in prison.
