Alaska could be the next state to legalize marijuana

Supporters of marijuana legalization are hoping that Alaska will follow the example set by Colorado and Washington state.

Timothy Hinterberger told the Anchorage Daily News that his ballot initiative to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in Alaska is about halfway there. Hinterberger, who sponsored the ballot initiative, and his supporters need to gather about 30,000 valid signatures by December 1 to qualify for next year’s primary ballot.

“In a free society, prohibition of popular substances is just bad public policy,” Hinterberger said. If approved by voters, the measure would allow those 21 and older to use and possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana for recreational use. Medical marijuana has been legal in the state since 1998.

The ballot measure is similar to two successful initiatives in Colorado and Washington state. Residents of both states voted to legalize marijuana in 2012. Read more >>

NY State to suspend driving licenses of tax delinquents

Approved in March, an initiative to suspend the driver’s license of New Yorkers who owe more than $10,000 in back taxes will begin this week.

The state Tax Department will send the first round of 16,000 suspension notices to tax delinquents this week. Scofflaws will have 60 days to respond before receiving a second notice, giving him or her 15 more days. If taxpayer again fails to arrange payment, the license will be suspended until the debt is paid.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo proposed the initiative in January. The state Legislature approved it as part of the state budget, adopted in March. His administration estimates the initiative could generate up to $26 million the first year and $6 million annually after that. Read more >>