The Washington Governor signed a drug possession bill into law following a special legislative session that was held to prevent the possible legalization of all drug possession in the state.
The state had been on the brink of decriminalizing possession of drugs like meth or fentanyl statewide as a temporary law that made possession a misdemeanor was set to expire this summer. The new law – in addition to retaining criminal penalties for drug possession – boosts resources to help those struggling with addiction, providing millions for drug treatment and recovery services, according to the governor.
Under the new law, courts are required to impose minimum jail sentences on those charged with drug possession who refuse or abandon substance use disorder treatment, and to vacate convictions of possession for defendants who successfully complete treatment. The law also enacts the recommendation of the Substance Use and Recovery Services Advisory Committee to expand treatment and harm reduction programs.
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