PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Adults caught carrying an ounce or less of marijuana would face a $150 fine instead of criminal penalties under a bill to decriminalize pot up for review in Rhode Island's legislature. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Adults caught carrying an ounce or less of marijuana would face a $150 fine instead of criminal penalties under a bill to decriminalize pot up for review in Rhode Island's legislature.

The bill is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.

Marijuana possession is a civil, not criminal, violation in more than a dozen states. Supporters of the Rhode Island bill say softer penalties for marijuana possession will give police and prosecutors time to focus on more serious crime.