Wrap: First-time offenders with less than two ounces of pot would escape jail time under a bill before the state Senate.

The bill would change the penalty to a fine anywhere from $250 to $1,000.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Bob Dixon suggested current jail time is already being waived by judges.

The measure needs a second Senate vote before moving to the House.

This represents an eight-year battle by the Missouri Bar Association to revise state laws assessing criminal penalties.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Christina Santiago.

Wrap: First-time marijuana offenders with less than two ounces of pot would evade time behind bars under a Senate bill revising state criminal codes.

The bill would change the penalty for first-time possession to a fine of anywhere between $250 and $1,000.

Democratic Senator Jolie Justus says these changes make the state's criminal justice system more efficient and effective.

The bill represents an eight-year effort by the Missouri Bar Association to revise state laws assessing criminal penalties.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Christina Santiago.