Rick Becker on Drugs

	Rick Becker on Drugs

I view marijuana as a victimless crime, would legalize

Becker is in favor of a pathway to legalizing marijuana, adding that step one in the legalization process would be to decriminalize or decrease the penalties for marijuana related crimes. "I view marijuana as a victimless crime and as such am not in favor of the state criminalizing victimless activities," he said. Source: The Spectrum (NDSU) on 2022 North Dakota Senate race , Jul 19, 2021

Supports medical marijuana and legalized pot

Candidates also had varied stances on potential marijuana ballot measures, one which would allow medical marijuana and another that would legalize marijuana in the state. "I would vote yes," Becker said of the measures.

Stenehjem said he's spoken to attorney generals in other states where marijuana has been legalized and didn't see any positives, vowing to vote against it. "North Dakota will not be healthier or safer," Stenehjem said.

Source: Bismarck Tribune on 2016 North Dakota gubernatorial debate , Mar 3, 2016

Voted NO on drug testing for TANF & SNAP benefits

N.D. voting records for H.B. 1385 Rep. Rick Becker voted NAY on screening for controlled substances:

The department shall require every applicant for the temporary assistance for needy families (TANF) program and the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) to submit to a drug test to determine if the applicant is engaged in the illegal use of a controlled substance.

The cost of the drug testing is the responsibility of the individual tested.

An individual who tests positive for controlled substances as a result of a drug test required under this section is ineligible to receive TANF or SNAP benefits for one year.

An individual who tests positive in a second drug test is ineligible to receive TANF or SNAP benefits for three years.

Require that for two-parent families, both parents must comply with the drug testing requirement.

Legislative Outcome:

House vote 19-72-3 on Feb. 22, 2013 (bill failed)

Source: North Dakota Legislative voting records for H.B. 1385 , Feb 22, 2013

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