Texas is keeping an eye on a new bill advancing through the state's legislature that would get rid of jail time for possession of small amounts of marijuana.

The bill has passed through the Texas House after a vote of 98-43 in favor. It would lower the criminal penalties for possession of an ounce or less of marijuana to a Class C misdemeanor according to a story shared by NEWS 10.

Lawmakers say this would save time, money, and resources for the states law enforcement and keep low-level offenders from crowding up our prisons. News 10 reports that Democrat Rep. Joe Moody changed his original bill that would have decriminalized small amounts of pot.

Governor Greg Abbott has been open to reducing penalties to a lower misdemeanor offense but has not supported decriminalization all-together.

More From KUSJ-FM