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Real solutions: Legislation to address the state Supreme Court Blake ruling

On March 23, House Republicans introduced a comprehensive package of legislation to address the Washington Supreme Court’s Blake ruling that struck down the state’s felony drug possession law. Details on the legislation:

  • House Bill 1558 would promote recovery and improve public safety by providing behavioral health system responses to individuals with substance use disorder and providing training to law enforcement personnel.
  • House Bill 1559 would provide a behavioral health response to juveniles consuming controlled substances.
  • House Bill 1560 would consider the mental state element of a person’s intention to knowingly commit a crime (mens rea) involving offenses related to possession of substances.
  • House Bill 1561 would expand offenses and penalties for manufacture, sale, distribution, and other conduct involving controlled substances and counterfeit substances.
  • House Bill 1562 would allow local governments to enact laws and ordinances relating to possession of controlled substances and counterfeit substances.

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House Republicans introduce package of bills to address state Supreme Court drug possession decision

A comprehensive package of legislation was introduced Monday by House Republicans to address repercussions and concerns of a Washington Supreme Court ruling (State v. Blake) on Feb. 25 that deemed the…

House Republicans unveil bills addressing state court’s legalization of drug possession

House Republicans shared details about their package of legislation addressing a recent state Supreme Court decision legalizing the possession of drugs at a virtual press availability for House and Senate Republicans.…

House Republicans introduce legislation to counter state Supreme Court drug possession decision

State House Republicans have introduced a package of legislation to address a recent Washington Supreme Court decision that ruled the state’s drug possession law is unconstitutional. John Sattgast reports.

State of Washington v. Shannon B. Blake | February 25, 2021

GORDON MCCLOUD,J.—Washington’s strict liability drug possession statute, RCW 69.50.4013, makes possession of a controlled substance a felony punishable by up to five years in prison, plus a hefty fine; leads…