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:
- Union High School baseball celebrates those who serve at Honor Game
The Union High School baseball team invited veterans, first responders, and educators to their game against Battle Ground on Tuesday to participate in their Honor Game, celebrating those who serve others. - If voters decide to repeal WA Cares, will the state refund tax collections?
If voters approve Initiative 2124 this November to repeal the program known as WA Cares, workers can opt out of having 58 cents out of every $100 earned deducted from their paychecks. - County Permit Center moves to new office in Public Service CenterThe Clark County Permit Center has a new home within the Public Service Center.
- City of Vancouver wants to hear from the public about city manager recruitment surveyThe city recently launched a nationwide recruitment process to hire Vancouver’s next city manager.
- Vancouver Fire responds to house fireOn Tuesday (April 23) at 3:45 p.m., the Vancouver Fire Department was called for a house fire at 100 S. Knoxville Way.
- Ridgefield School District school bond proposal appears to be failingThe first results of the April 23 special election show the school bond proposal in the Ridgefield School District is currently failing approval.
- Opinion: Not guilty verdict appropriate resolution in case of VPD officerClark County Today Editor Ken Vance offers his praise to the jury in the trial of Vancouver Police Officer Andrea Mendoza.
