House Republicans overwhelmingly signed off on a bill setting a minimum, mandatory fine for those convicted of simple possession of marijuana.

The Idaho House of Representatives voted largely along party lines Tuesday to pass a new bill that would create a mandatory minimum fine of $300 for anyone convicted of marijuana possession. Following a lengthy debate at the Idaho State Capitol in Boise, House members voted 54-14 to pass House Bill 7.

If an Idaho bill becomes law, the minimum fine for possessing even a small amount of marijuana will be higher than almost any other misdemeanor in the state, including a number of violent crimes, such as assault, battery, domestic violence and attempted strangulation.

A controversial bill, H-B 7, is advancing in the Idaho state legislature, proposing a mandatory minimum fine of $300 for possession of less than three ounces of

Possessing marijuana in Idaho could soon be punishable by a minimum $300 fine. Rep. Bruce Skaug, R-Nampa, introduced a bill Thursday to add the mandatory minimum penalty, because he said first-time offenders receive punishments with inconsistent sanctions. The new minimum fine would not apply to minors.

A bill to implement a minimum $300 fine for adults possessing three ounces of marijuana or less is moving forward to the Idaho House floor.