On Tuesday, the Legislature passed a new version of Senate Bill 5536, a measure to criminalize possession of controlled substances
Rep. Peter Abbarno, Republican-20th District, released the following statement Tuesday (May 16) after the Legislature passed a new version of Senate Bill 5536, a measure to criminalize possession of controlled substances.
“This measure strikes a balance between accountability and compassion. And while it may not have all the hallmarks of a comprehensive criminal justice or substance abuse bill, it provides sufficient flexibility to the criminal justice system, as well as substance abuse and mental health providers, to adequately address community concerns with crime and drug use.
“Our state’s failure to curb drug-related crimes didn’t begin with the Blake decision. This problem was years in the making and was the result of misguided policies and a lack of leadership. Going forward, we need smart investments in workforce and infrastructure to provide effective treatment and hold offenders accountable. Washingtonians expect and deserve better.”
Background: In February 2021, the state Supreme Court ruled in State v. Blake that Washington’s felony drug-possession statute was unconstitutional because it criminalized possession even when a person did not knowingly have drugs.
Two months later, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 5476, a temporary measure reducing the penalty for possessing illegal drugs like fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine from a felony to a misdemeanor. That law was set to expire on July 1, 2023.
On the final day of the regular session, April 23, the majority party in the House brought up a measure to address the issue, Senate Bill 5536, for a vote. The bill fell seven votes short of a majority: 43-55.
Without a new law, Washington state would have no statewide criminal penalty for possession of controlled substances.
On May 2, Gov. Jay Inslee announced plans to call the Legislature into a May 16 special session for the purpose of passing a new drug possession law.
Information provided by Washington State House Republican Communications, houserepublicans.wa.gov
Also read:
- No cops hired so far with WA’s new $100M grant program
Washington’s new $100 million police hiring grant program has not yet distributed funds, as local officials cite technical issues and bureaucratic hurdles - Six individuals indicted after allegedly transporting more than 500 workers across border
Federal prosecutors announced indictments against six individuals accused of obtaining fraudulent H-2A visas and transporting hundreds of farmworkers to Washington state. - Opinion: The upside-down world of Washington Democrats
Nancy Churchill criticizes Washington Democrats over HB 2034, LEOFF 1 pension funds, and a proposed income tax, urging residents to oppose the bill ahead of a Feb. 26 hearing. - Natural gas leak mitigated near 44th Street and 123rd Avenue
Vancouver Fire Department crews responded to a natural gas leak near 44th Street and 123rd Avenue, evacuating 71 homes and impacting approximately 307 residents. - Letter: ‘Only madmen and Englishmen go out in the mid-day sun!’
Vancouver resident Debra Kalz uses a historical analogy involving King Henry VIII to question decisions surrounding a bridge with light rail. - Hockinson student joins Rep. Kevin Waters in Olympia to serve as a House page
Hockinson Middle School student Ary’el Dutton served as a page in the Washington State House of Representatives in Olympia, sponsored by Rep. Kevin Waters. - Opinion: Eight years of stormwater pollution at King St & West 12th St. in men’s ShareHouse Neighborhood
Vancouver resident Peter Bracchi questions whether chronic contamination near King Street and West 12th Street meets federal and state stormwater permit standards.
