Topeka ? Kansas lawmakers are delaying action on a bill that would reduce sentences for the first two marijuana possession offenses.

The House chose Thursday to return the measure to a panel for further discussion rather than vote on it or discard it. Most bills had to be passed by their chamber of origin by Friday or be tabled for the remainder of the session.

The bill would eliminate the possibility that an offender would face prison time until their third marijuana conviction unless they had serious prior convictions.

Republican Rep. John Rubin of Shawnee said he was disappointed the measure did not pass because it would ease strain on Kansas’ overfilling prisons.

Kansas prisons already are crowded and are expected to be 7 percent over capacity by 2024.