WA considering legalizing narcotics
By Terry Murry on Monday, February 15th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
OLYMPIA – A total of 24 Washington state representatives are sponsoring a measure that would decriminalize personal-use possession of all drugs which are currently felonies. House Bill 1499 had its first public hearing last Friday before the House Committee on Public Safety.
In addition to removing criminal penalties for possessing small amounts of presently illegal narcotics, the bill also purports to fund options to help addicts instead, including treatment and recovery support.
The bill proposes a funding framework which, over time, sees funds being shifted from the punishment sectors to community-based care interventions. In the beginning, the sponsors want it to be paid for by general fund dollars to be set aside in the new budget.
Unlike Oregon’s law, the Washington proposal would not impose a $100 fine for drug possession as a civil infraction. Instead, it would refer people to drug recovery programs, mental health treatment, or other social service programs without imposing any penalties. It also differs from Oregon in that it wouldn’t use revenue from legal marijuana sales to help pay for those programs.
The full bill can be accessed at http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2021-22/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/1499.pdf?q=20210214195059.
