Legislators introduce drug decriminalization bill

The new push to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of drugs like cocaine and heroin on Thursday came to Washington.

Advocates and legislators announced the Pathways to Recovery Act, which would expand treatment systems and approach drug abuse as a public health problem instead of a crime.

“No one has fallen too far to recover if only we give them a chance,” said Rep. Lauren Davis (D-Shoreline), a sponsor of the bill.

Oregon voters passed the nation’s first decriminalization law in November, which took effect this week.

The Washington bill calls for a committee that includes law enforcement to figure out the details, with the law taking effect in December 2022.

While the Washington bill moves slower than Oregon’s law, it also goes farther.

In Oregon, police can give people a $100 ticket for drug possession, a fine that can be waived when they seek treatment.

Under the Washington bill, police would not issue tickets, and only send people to services.

In Oregon, police can seize the drugs.

Advocates say in Washington, how police handle the drugs would be figured out by the implementation committee.

The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs is reviewing the new bill but leaders say they opposed these proposals in the past because there needs to be a support system for drug issues.

Cox Media Group