“Cities, counties and other local governments are looking for a state-wide policy that balances accountability with treatment. I think we can create a bipartisan law that achieves this.”
The Center Square by Brett Davis
Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee, a Democrat, announced on Tuesday that he would call a special session of the legislature to begin May 16, to pass a new law on drug possession something that lawmakers did not do in the 105 day regular session which ended on April 23,
Inslee stated in a press release that “my office and I” have met with legislators of all four caucuses. I am optimistic about achieving an agreement which can be passed by both chambers. “Cities, counties and other local governments are looking for a policy that balances accountability with treatment. I think we can create a bipartisan law that achieves this.” The details are still being worked out, but the caucus leadership shares the desire to pass legislation. “I believe that starting on May 16, we will be on the right track to get the job done in this month.”
Washington is at a fork in the road and has the opportunity to replace failed drug policies with a fresh approach.
The ACLU of Washington (@ACLU_WA May 3, 2020
Sen. John Braun (R-Centralia) does not agree with Inslee in his optimistic assessment of the situation.
In his press release, the Senate Minority Leader said that “the governor indicated he wouldn’t call a session special until legislative leaders had reached an agreement worth bringing before each chamber.” “To be clear: we are not at that point, even though there have been fruitful bipartisan discussions in the last week. His announcement was, therefore, unexpected.
Braun added, “Republicans have always insisted on a drug possession policy that works for all stakeholders, including law enforcement, criminal justice, and local governments. They need to have more power to save lives and lift people from the despair of being addicted to drugs such as fentanyl. This is still the best path to take for the special session. “We must do better.”
Follow this link to learn more about the Blake decision and the legislature’s response this session: https://t.co/Rpj8kI2vLz
The ACLU of Washington (@ACLU_WA May 3, 2020
State v. Blake, a 2021 ruling by the Washington Supreme Court that declared Washington’s felony possession of drugs law unconstitutional in violation of the constitution, led lawmakers to create a “Blake Fix” which reduced drug possession to a misdemeanor. The provisions of this stopgap law expire on July 1, 2019.
The Center Square published this story first.
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