All but one of the North Country representatives voted Wednesday to decriminalize marijuana.
AsNHPRreported House Bill 618passed by 297 – 67, the sixth time the House has approved a bill that would make possession of half an ounce of marijuana a violation rather than requiring jail time.
John Tholl, a Republican from Whitefield and former state trooper and police chief, voted against the bill.
In an e-mail he said he is not against decriminalization but thought 1/2 ounce was too large a quantity.
Thirteen other representatives voted in favor. Two were excused from voting.
The bill now must pass the Senate.
North Country representatives voting in favor of the bill:
* Brad Bailey, Republican, of Monroe
* Susan Ford, Democrat, of Easton
* John Fothergill, Republican, of Colebrook
* Alethea Froburg, Democrat, of Berlin
* Edmond Gionet, Republican, of Lincoln
* William Hatch, Democrat, of Gorham
* Erin Hennessey, Republican, of Littleton
* Linda Massimilla, Democrat, of Littleton
* Wayne Moynihan, Democrat, of Dummer
* Larry Rappaport, Republican, of Colebrook
* Herb Richardson, Republican, of Lancaster
* Leon Rideout, Republican, of Lancaster
* Yvonne Thomas, Democrat, of Berlin
North Country representatives voting against the bill.
* John Tholl, Republican, of Whitefield
North Country representatives excused from voting:
* Rebecca Brown, Democrat, of Sugar Hill
* Robert Theberge, Democrat, of Berlin
To see how legislators voted on other issues go here.