WA Gov. Inslee Calls Special Session To Discuss Drug Decriminalization, GOP Leader Not Excited

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) said Tuesday that he will call a special session to discuss decriminalizing the possession of controlled substances after lawmakers failed to pass a bill in the regular session. The special session is scheduled to start May 16.

“My office and I have been meeting with legislators from all four caucuses and I am very optimistic about reaching an agreement that can pass both chambers,” Inslee stated. “Cities and counties are eager to see a statewide policy that balances accountability and treatment, and I believe we can produce a bipartisan bill that does just that. Details are still being negotiated, but caucus leaders share the desire to pass a bill. I believe that starting the clock on May 16 will put us on a path to getting the job done this month.”

The special session lasts 30 days, but the governor said they might be able to close up in a few days if they reach an agreement.

At the moment, a temporary misdemeanor policy is set to expire on July 1st, which is why many cities and counties are considering setting up their own. The concern is that such a move could create a confusing patchwork of policies, treatment programs and penalties.

The legislature set aside more than $600 million in new state funding to support various behavioral health programs, such as those that deal with substance use disorders.

Senate Republican Leader John Braun is cautious about the special session.

“Republicans worked in good faith throughout the regular session toward a new law that will give drug offenders more incentive to enter and complete treatment,” Braun stated. “We remain committed to that. While I am hopeful for a better outcome this next time around, there is also reason to be cautious. The House Democrats will need to demonstrate a combination of bipartisanship and leadership that was missing during the 105 days of the regular session – especially at the end, when they failed to pass a proposal that was still far from reasonable, and Democrats from all corners falsely claimed that failure was somehow the fault of Republicans, even though we are in the minority.”

Braun continued, “All along, Republicans have insisted on a new drug-possession policy that truly works for the stakeholders – law enforcement, the criminal justice system, and local governments. They need more leverage to save lives, lift people out of the despair that goes with being addicted to drugs like fentanyl, and also reclaim our streets and sidewalks. That’s still the right path for the upcoming special session. We must do better.”

Photo: Courtesy of M. Maggs from Pixabay