Decriminalization of Controlled Substances (H 6162, S 1015)

We strongly supported this legislation which would have reclassified the simple possession of 28 grams or less of certain controlled substances from a felony to a misdemeanor.

Noting that the overcriminalization of controlled substances is the foundation of both our mass incarceration crisis and the racial disparities evident in our incarcerated population, and that it is simply bad public health policy to incarcerate individuals who are experiencing substance use disorder, we strongly supported this legislation which would have reclassified the simple possession of 28 grams or less of certain controlled substances from a felony to a misdemeanor. This bill died in committee.