PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) _ A Rhode Island state lawmaker says it’s unfair that a young person caught with marijuana in the Ocean State faces criminal charges while people caught in neighboring states face less severe punishment.

State Rep. John Edwards is sponsoring legislation to decriminalize possession of one ounce or less of marijuana.

Instead of misdemeanor charges adults found with marijuana would face a $150 fine and the forfeiture of the marijuana.

The Tiverton Democrat says it’s wrong that a young adult in Rhode Island risks losing a job or facing the stigma of criminal charges over a small amount of marijuana, especially when Connecticut and Massachusetts have already decriminalized possession of small amounts.

The House Judiciary Committee reviewed Edwards’ bill this week but took no action.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)