AUSTIN, Texas — Austin voters in May will decide on an initiative that would decriminalize low-level marijuana offenses as well as ban so-called “no-knock” warrants.

A “no-knock” warrant authorizes police to enter certain premises without announcing their presence or intent prior to entry.

According to the progressive voter engagement and mobilization organization Ground Game Texas, the initiative, Austin Freedom Act of 2021, was certified by the City of Austin on Monday.

Ground Game Texas says it secured more than 30,000 signatures for the initiative. The threshold for inclusion was 20,000.

"We're so proud of the tremendous work of our organizers and volunteers who secured more than 30,000 signatures to put progressive change on the ballot in Austin," said Mike Siegel, political director of Ground Game Texas. "With the certification of the Austin Freedom Act, voters in Austin will soon have the ability to use their vote to end the criminalization of cannabis in their community and eliminate the dangerous practice of no-knock warrants by Austin police."

Ground Game Texas, citing a June 2021 University of Texas/Texas Tribune poll, said at least 87% of Texas voters support legalizing marijuana for medical and/or recreational use, and 75% of Texas voters support the banning of “no-knock” warrants.