The New York State Assembly passed a bill (A.6716-A) Wed., May 29 that would decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana. The bill is intended to reduce the amount of stop-and-frisk arrests of young people in New York City. passed 80-59, and 21 Democrats voted against it, including Didi Barrett, who represents most of Columbia and Dutchess counties in the 106th District. Local Republican Assemblyman Pete Lopez (who represents Greene and Schoharie counties in the 102nd District), and Steve McLaughlin (who represents Albany County and a parts of northern and eastern Columbia County in the 107th District), also voted against the bill, in line with all but one Republican: Assemblyman Steve Katz from Westchester County, who was ticketed for marijuana possession and speeding in March voted for the bill. Gov. Andrew Cuomo is expected to sign the bill but Senate Republicans say they won't let it get to his desk.