KILLEEN, Texas — Killeen and Harker Heights voters approved ordinances Tuesday, which decriminalizes small amounts of marijuana in both cities.
They join three other Texas cities -- Denton, San Marcos and Elgin -- which approved the same measure on Election Day.
For Killeen, nearly 70% of voters approved the proposition. For Harker Heights, it was 63%.
Back in July, both city councils decided to leave the decision up to voters after the ordinances were brought on by a petition that was started by the Ground Game Texas. The group heavily advocated in Austin during the May primaries where they saw overwhelming approval (85%).
What does this mean for both cities?
Police in both cities will only decriminalize misdemeanor marijuana possession, which is less than 4 ounces. Police will also be prevented from using the odor of marijuana as probable cause for a search and seizure.
“These meaningful reforms will keep people out of jail and save scarce public resources for more important public safety needs,” said Mike Siegel, political director of Ground Game Texas, told the Texas Tribune. “We’re extremely happy with our results.”
Per the Tribune, Ground Game Texas now has its sites on San Antonio in 2023.
Check out real-time election results: kcentv.com/elections