Washington governor calls special session to push drug decriminalization law
by Eden Villalovas, Breaking News Reporter |
May 03, 2023 01:39 PM
Gov. Jay Inslee (D-WA) announced he would call for a special session in the Washington state legislature after the chamber failed to pass a bill decriminalizing the possession of fentanyl and other drugs.
“My office and I have been meeting with legislators from all four caucuses, and I am very optimistic about reaching an agreement that can pass both chambers,” Inslee said in a statement. “Cities and counties are eager to see a statewide policy that balances accountability and treatment, and I believe we can produce a bipartisan bill that does just that. Details are still being negotiated, but caucus leaders share the desire to pass a bill. I believe that starting the clock on May 16 will put us on a path to getting the job done this month.”
The state legislature will discuss revisions to Washington’s state drug possession laws, following a 2021 Supreme Court decision that struck down current laws as unconstitutional.
In a 5-4 decision known as State v. Blake, the divided court found that unintentional illegal drug possession, including of deadly fentanyl, is not a felony. The ruling said the current statute violated the state and federal constitution,
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/washington-governor-calls-special-session-push-drug-decriminalization
