New Law Means More Citations, Fewer Arrests

Starting Wednesday, small amounts of marijuana or prescription pills may not land a violator in jail. Under provisions of House Bill 463 set to take effect this week, law enforcement officials will issue citations instead of making arrests on many misdemeanor offenses. Hopkinsville Chief of Police Guy Howie said his department has already been issuing citations for some misdemeanor offenses. Still, he admitted any time there is a new procedure there is also an adjustment period. “It’s going to be a change,” Howie said. “It’s going to take some getting used to.”