Though I have never been a legislator, nor a lawyer, nor have I even played one on television, I have a more than basic understanding of how laws are made, take effect, and the legislative process. Here is a simple primer with some examples that folks might find helpful.

Let’s say that in the upcoming session of the Georgia General Assembly, the Legislature decriminalized the possession and consumption of less than 1 ounce of marijuana. Though unlikely to happen, a number of law enforcement agencies and urban police departments, operating under local ordinances or enforcement policies within their jurisdictions, already no longer make arrests for what is commonly referred to as minor possession.

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Bill Crane is a syndicated columnist based in Decatur. He has worked in politics for Democrats and Republicans, respects the process and will try and give you some things to think about. Your thoughts and responses to his opinions are also welcome, bill.csicrane@gmail.com.

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