CONCORD, N.H. — Possessing under one-half ounce of marijuana would in some cases be punishable by a fine in New Hampshire under a bill before a Senate committee.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is holding a hearing today on the House-passed bill.

A first offense would be a violation punishable by a $250 fine. The second would be $500. Subsequent offenses would be misdemeanors subject to a year of jail time and a $1,000 fine. Offenders under 21 could also be ordered to take a drug awareness program.

All offenses are currently misdemeanors punishable by up to a $2,000 fine and a year in jail.

Gov. John Lynch has promised to veto the measure.