Dallas police have significantly reduced arrests for low-level marijuana possession since the voter-approved Proposition R was enacted in November.
Voters passed Proposition R on November 5, which amends the city charter to limit police authority regarding arrests for marijuana possession under four ounces.
The rollback in arrests became evident when interim police Chief Michael Igo ordered the enforcement of the amendment on November 19.
From that date until the end of June, only eight individuals were arrested solely for misdemeanor marijuana possession.
Importantly, these individuals were also charged with other serious offenses, such as violent felonies or major drug-related crimes, which are still permissible under the proposition.
This contrasts starkly with the period leading up to the enforcement order, where police made 42 marijuana-related arrests from November 1 to November 18.
Almost 30 of these arrests occurred after the election approving the charter amendment but before it was enforced.
Remarkably, marijuana possession was the sole charge for seven of these arrests during that initial timeframe.
Proposition R specifically restricts police from arresting or citing individuals for Class A or B misdemeanor marijuana possession unless it is part of an investigation into more serious crimes.
Catina Voellinger, executive director of Ground Game Texas, highlighted the significant voter mandate for decriminalizing low-level marijuana enforcement.
Voellinger expressed concern over the ongoing legal disputes which she believes distract from the will of the people and waste taxpayer money.
She emphasized that the people of Dallas face enough challenges without police enforcement of outdated marijuana laws complicating their lives.
Even as the charter amendment shows early success in reducing arrests, Texas law still prohibits recreational marijuana use, leaving a gray area for other cities responding to similar challenges.
Notably, Attorney General Ken Paxton has challenged the legality of these voter-approved measures across multiple Texas cities.
Dallas police have opted not to comment on the situation due to ongoing legal proceedings initiated by Paxton.
In February, a Dallas County district judge denied Paxton’s request for a temporary injunction to halt enforcement of Proposition R, asserting that the voters’ will must be respected.
However, city attorneys recently sought a reversal of this decision, ultimately achieving a temporary injunction author’s request in July.
A trial on the matter is preliminarily set for August 11.
Tristeza Ordex, who campaigned for Proposition R, voiced her deep disappointment regarding the city’s stance in the ongoing legal battle.
Ordex noted that the reported disparities in marijuana-related arrests only further justify the need for the charter amendment.
She explained that many residents already live under significant stress without additional worries about law enforcement.
The charter amendment, often referred to as the Dallas Freedom Act, was endorsed by 66% of voters.
In the two weeks following the passage of the measure, the City Council directed Dallas officials to ensure adherence to the new rules.
Despite the widespread support for Proposition R, Paxton filed a lawsuit against the city, declaring that the ordinance contradicts state law.
Dallas officials, however, maintained that the voters’ voices cannot be ignored and that their charter amendment legally stands.
The continued enforcement of marijuana laws in Dallas has faced scrutiny for its racial implications.
Historically, Black residents have been disproportionately affected by low-level marijuana arrests.
The initiative aimed to reduce these disparities, which have been a persistent critique against law enforcement in the area.
Data from the years 2024-2025 indicated that 80% of individuals arrested for possessing up to four ounces of marijuana were Black, reflecting a troubling trend.
From November to May, among the 44 arrests for such an offense, 34 were Black individuals, once again highlighting the racial imbalance.
Earlier initiatives launched by former Police Chief Eddie García aimed to mitigate these arrest rates but had limited success in eliminating racial disparities.
Despite a policy implemented in 2021 intending to lower arrest rates, the composition of those arrested remained predominantly Black.
After the overwhelming vote to expand the decriminalization threshold from two ounces to four, García had expressed concerns over the proposed limit to marijuana policing.
Though the initiative aimed to limit low-level arrests, it has faced repeated opposition from state officials like Paxton.
Dallas City Council member Chad West, among others, voiced their support for upholding the will of the residents over state assertion, underscoring the city’s commitment to comply with its voter mandate.
The legal questions surrounding the enforcement of Proposition R remain complex as the city navigates its responsibilities under both state and local laws.
Notably, cities like Lockhart and Bastrop have shirked their voter-approved decriminalization measures.
In contrast, the Denton City Council decided to repeal similar initiatives after failing to enforce them.
Dallas stands as a unique example, given its size and the substantial support the proposition garnered from its community.
Ultimately, grassroots organizations like Ground Game Texas are committed to supporting these adjustments while advocating for further systemic changes to ensure justice and equity in policing.
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