The Latest: Murphy disappointed after stalled weed vote
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — The Latest on a bill to legalize recreational marijuana in New Jersey (all times local):
4:35 p.m.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy says he's disappointed but "not defeated" after legislation to legalize recreational marijuana failed to get enough votes to pass the Legislature.
Murphy spoke Monday alongside legislative leaders, just hours after the state Senate postponed a vote because it didn't have enough support.
Murphy cast the delayed vote as a bump in the road on the way toward making New Jersey the 11th state to legalize recreational weed.
The bill stalled despite Democratic control of state government and highlighted the difficulty Murphy and leaders faced in persuading people to support legalization.
Murphy says he'll continue to push for the legislation, but the timing of a vote is unclear.
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12:55 p.m.
New Jersey's Senate president says there are not enough votes to pass a bill to legalize recreational marijuana in the state. The vote in that chamber has been postponed.
Senate President Steve Sweeney said Monday that he remains committed to passing the law and will continue to work to do just that.
Leaders and Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy back the measure, but some lawmakers were hesitant.
A vote was also scheduled in the state Assembly Monday, and it was not clear how that was affected.
If the bill passes, New Jersey would join the District of Columbia and 10 other states.
The bill calls for a tax of $42 per ounce, sets up a five-member regulator commission and would offer expedited expungements to people with marijuana-related offenses.
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10:15 a.m.
A vote to legalize recreational marijuana in New Jersey is hours away, but the governor and legislative leaders are still courting lawmakers.
The Democrat-led Senate and Assembly have scheduled votes Monday on the legislation backed by Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, but its passage is far from certain.
Murphy said last week he's been trying to persuade hesitant lawmakers to back the bill but still doesn't have the votes needed.
Murphy says if the bill fails or falls short, he'd continue to try to persuade people. But it's unclear when another vote could take place.
New Jersey would join the District of Columbia and 10 other states if the measure succeeds.
The bill calls for a tax of $42 per ounce, sets up a five-member regulator commission and would offer expedited expungements to people with marijuana-related offenses.
