AUSTIN – For months, a coalition of Texans seeking to loosen marijuana laws has claimed that success in other states has created a wave of momentum and transformed the push here from pipe dream to possibility.

This week, they will get a chance to prove it.

Four proposals to relax penalties for possessing pot have been scheduled for a hearing Wednesday in the Texas House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee, setting up what is sure to be a closely-watched debate in the middle of the legislative session.

It will not be the first Texas committee hearing on marijuana bills, which historically have been introduced and heard, but ultimately killed. This time, however, optimistic supporters will benefit from the makeup of the committee, which this year counts three Democrats and a pro-legalization Republican among its seven members. The panel is led by state Rep. Abel Herrero, D-Robstown. [Read more at the Houston Chronicle]