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:
- Vancouver Police conduct death investigation
Vancouver Police are investigating after a deceased female and an uninjured child were found in a vehicle on Blandford Drive. - SOS: Lawsuit against ballot signature verification ‘wrong as a matter of common sense’Washington’s Supreme Court hears a pivotal case challenging the state’s ballot signature verification process, with potential implications for voter rights and election integrity.
- Letter: ‘The current bridge plan hurts economic development on BOTH sides of the river’Sam Churchill from Hayden Island shares his concerns over the economic impact of the current I-5 Bridge replacement proposal on both sides of the river.
- Board of Health extends application deadline for education position on Public Health Advisory Council
Clark County Board of Health extends application deadline for education position on Public Health Advisory Council, with a term ending Sept. 30, 2027. - Letter: ‘We students are counting on voters to show up to the polls again’Vancouver’s Tammy Pham urges voters to reject I-2109, safeguarding essential education funding and youth opportunities.
- Shooting at Vancouver Mall leaves one dead, two injuredOne dead, two injured after a targeted shooting during a trick-or-treat event at Vancouver Mall, investigated by Vancouver Police Department.
- High school football: This is one of the greatest Week 9 schedules in Clark County historyHigh school football fans in Clark County Washington are in for a thrilling Friday night with three unbeaten teams competing for league championships.
