BILL TO REDUCE DRUG SENTENCES BACK IN PLAY

OLYMPIA -- The Legislature is considering a bill to reduce sentences for
some drug crimes and use the money saved on prison terms to pay for
treatment options such as drug courts.

The bill, supported by prosecutors and law enforcement, would bring big
changes to Washington's drug policy.

A similar drug sentencing reform bill passed the Democrat-controlled Senate
last year but never got a floor vote in the tied House. With changes to the
bill and with Democrats controlling the House and Senate this year,
legislators say it has a better chance but still faces a tough fight. The
House committee did not take action on the bill yesterday.

The bill would reduce sentences for some drug offenses. For example,
manufacturing heroin or cocaine, delivering it or possessing it with intent
to deliver now carries a penalty of 21 to 27 months. Under House Bill 2338
the prison sentence would drop to 15 to 20 months.

King County Prosecutor Norm Maleng says the bill won't stop prosecutors
from throwing the book at drug dealers, but it will give them a way to
break the cycle of addiction and crime among small-time drug users.