Lawmakers seek to lessen penalties for minor drug possession

A proposal from key lawmakers on the House Judiciary Committee would reclassify possession of small amounts of heroin, cocaine and other drugs as a misdemeanor, rather than a felony.

The bill, offered with bipartisan support from the three officers of the committee, aims to reduce the penalties for drug possession so addicts won’t be slammed with felony charges if they are found to be carrying a daily dosage.

Rep. Maxine Grad, D-Moretown, who chairs the committee, said the proposal is part of a broader effort her committee is making to review how well the criminal justice system is functioning and serving the state.

“What we’re doing now in terms of incarcerating people, it’s not effective,” Grad said.

Read more: https://vtdigger.org/2017/01/31/lawmakers-seek-to-lessen-penalties-for-minor-drug-possession/