Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's proposal to reduce the penalty for possessing less than a half ounce of marijuana has passed a key committee vote in the state General Assembly.

The new bill would make possessing small amounts of marijuana an infraction, instead of a misdemeanor and possible prison term. The legislation passed the finance committee Tuesday by a 31-20 vote. It now moves to the Senate. Under the bill, a subsequent offense would be punishable by a fine of $200 to $500.

Malloy supports the proposal as a way to help reduce the state's prison population.