The Dallas City Council spiked a proposal to alter Proposition R, a voter-approved measure decriminalizing marijuana possession up to four ounces.
The council was conducting routine certification of the November 5 election results when District 12 Councilmember Cara Mendelsohn proposed the amendment to curtail the marijuana initiative, NBC 5 DFW reported.
Mendelsohn argued that state law preempts local ordinances on marijuana, making the proposition unenforceable. Her proposal faced strong opposition from other council members, who saw it as undermining the will of voters.
Councilmember Adam Bazaldua criticized the motion, stating that overturning the overwhelming mandate from voters went against the council’s responsibilities.
Proposition R, which received 66% voter support, prohibits Dallas police from using the smell of marijuana as probable cause for searches or arrests unless a felony is involved. Despite similar measures facing legal challenges in cities like Austin and Denton, the council rejected Mendelsohn’s motion.
Only Mendelsohn, District 13 Councilmember Gay Donnell Willis, and Mayor Eric Johnson supported the proposed amendment.
Ground Game Texas, the group behind Proposition R, emphasized that the measure changes enforcement policy, not legalization, and expressed satisfaction with the council’s decision. Interim Dallas City Manager Kimberly Tolbert confirmed that the City would implement Proposition R, with the Dallas Police Department prepared to comply while maintaining public safety priorities.