ABQ mayor signs pot decriminalization into law

This file photo shows Albuquerque City Councilors voting 5 to 4 in favor of the decriminalization of small quantity of marijuana during an April 2 meeting. The mayor signed the bill Thursday. Adolphe Pierre-Louis/ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL

Tim Keller signed a bill on Thursday afternoon that decriminalizes small amounts of marijuana.

The legislation, passed by city councilors last week, replaces the criminal penalty of fines and jail time for possession of an ounce or less of marijuana with a $25 civil fine.

“Removing the criminal penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana will free up precious resources for law enforcement, who have plenty on their plate already,” Keller said in a statement. “We’re facing real challenges in Albuquerque and this is a step in the right direction to allow our officers the flexibility to better prioritize their time tackling violent crime and property crime in our city.”