HOLD a public hearing and consider an initiative ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances Chapter 22, Police, to eliminate low-level marijuana enforcement

Spoke in opposition to the marijuana decriminalization initiative, citing high THC potency, health risks, and potential conflicts with Fort Hood policies.

Supported the decriminalization petition, noting the negative impacts of arrests on youth and the benefits of medical marijuana for cancer survivors and veterans.

Shared a story about a student whose life was disrupted by a marijuana arrest and asked council to place the initiative on the ballot.

Shared her late husband's suffering from cancer and urged a 7-0 vote to place the decriminalization petition on the November ballot.

Urged council to vote no on the ordinance to send it to the voters, and questioned racial disparities in Killeen police marijuana arrests.

Expressed concern that the ordinance creates public safety risks, ties the hands of police, and impacts officer retention.

Spoke as a disabled veteran living in chronic pain, noting how medical cannabis helped her relative reduce prescription pill usage.

Opposed the ordinance as a violation of state and federal law that puts officers and children at risk.

Attorney Julie Oliver outlined the council's ministerial duty under the city charter to either adopt the initiative petition or send it to the voters.

Stated that citizens should have the opportunity to vote on the measure.

Drew comparisons to Killeen's successful ban on no-knock warrants and urged council to pass the ordinance or limit arrests.

Spoke as a Libertarian against the ordinance, arguing it would cause harm by fueling gang activity and drug trafficking in neighborhoods.

Questioned petition signature numbers and statistics cited by advocates, and opposed decriminalization due to safety and legal concerns.

Urged a yes vote on the initiative, framing it as a matter of justice and compassion for individuals burdened by minor arrest records.

Spoke in favor of sending the initiative to the ballot, noting that hemp vs. marijuana distinctions create significant challenges in criminal cases.

Argued that the real issues behind juvenile delinquency are single-parent families and repeat offenders rather than marijuana laws.

Highlighted national trends toward medical and recreational marijuana legalization and urged council to give the decriminalization initiative the green light.

Supported protecting young people from having their lives ruined by minor marijuana possession records.

Spoke as a local pastor against the initiative, citing youth addiction risks and the negative impacts of drugs on neighborhoods.

Discussed responsible use compared to impaired driving, noting that police pull over drivers based on erratic behavior.

Opposed the ordinance, stating marijuana destroys developing brains and leads to harder drugs.

Opposed the initiative as political theater that conflicts with state and federal laws and harms community safety.

Argued that passing the ordinance would violate state and federal law and noted that other agencies like the sheriff's office and DPS would still enforce drug laws in Killeen.