— Lawmakers took a step Tuesday toward decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana.

The legislature's judiciary committee approved a measure that would make the penalty for possession of a half-ounce of marijuana or less akin to receiving a speeding ticket. Those charged would be assessed fines instead of facing criminal penalties.

The committee passed a similar bill in 2009, but it died before the session ended.

One key difference between 2009 and 2011: Former Gov. M. Jodi Rell was a critic and vowed to veto the measure, while Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has embraced the proposal.

Malloy and other supporters say that decriminalization will free up the resources of an overburdened judicial branch to deal with serious crimes. Two neighboring states, Massachusetts and New York, have already decriminalized small amounts of marijuana.

The Connecticut proposal initially called for the decriminalization of up to 1 ounce, but that amount was cut in half by an amendment. Lawmakers estimated that a half-ounce of pot is roughly the amount in 30 marijuana cigarettes.

Opponents said that decriminalizing even small amounts of marijuana could have a devastating effect on society. It would send the wrong message to young people, fuel criminal activity and foster drug addiction, they said.

"This bill is essentially saying to young people: 'Listen, the Connecticut General Assembly doesn't believe that marijuana is dangerous anymore,' " said Sen. Michael McLachlan, R-Danbury. "Just don't carry too much of it and you'll be OK."

"I believe that message is dangerous to your health," McLachlan added. "I believe it's especially dangerous to the health of children."

Sen. Eric Coleman, the co-chairman of the committee, said he agrees with those who say that smoking marijuana is a health hazard. "I also believe cigarette smoking is unhealthy, alcohol consumption is unhealthy, eating chocolate is unhealthy," said Coleman, D-Bloomfield.

Coleman said he would encourage young people not to indulge in any of those activities but is also aware that many of them will, regardless of what he or any other adult says. "Unfortunately, they are going to try certain things, including smoking marijuana," he said.

Decriminalizing the drug means that a young person experimenting for the first time won't face consequences that could have a profound effect on their future plans, such as going to college or getting a job.

"What I would like to avoid are the adverse implications that may result from the possession of a mere small amount of marijuana," Coleman said.

The decriminalization bill is one of two controversial changes to the state's marijuana statutes awaiting action in the General Assembly this session. Last week the judiciary committee approved a bill legalizing marijuana for medical use.