Philadelphia is a signature away from becoming the largest city in America to decriminalize marijuana possession, according to multiple published reports.

Mayor Michael Nutter said Monday he will sign a bill that essentially fines people $25 for the possession of marijuana under an ounce.

A citation for possession would require an appearance before a Municipal Court judge, the news station said, but there would be no criminal record. A $100 fine will be handed to anyone caught smoking marijuana in public.

Philadelphia’s current law at the bare minimum carries a $200 fine for marijuana possession, drug abuse courses and an arrest record.

Councilman Jim Kenney authored the original bill, which was tweaked slightly by Nutter.

« We’ve gotten to a place where it is out of the criminal realm, » he said.

The new regulations will save the city’s police department about $4 million a year.

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