Supporters argue the legislation is a critical tool for addressing a worsening drug crisis and that language in the bill is meant to push people with substance-use disorders to treatment. Opponents say it’s a return to a failed Drug War tactic that will incarcerate drug users and disproportionately impact Black and brown residents rather than provide people the help they need.
Tuesday was the Council’s second attempt to align city municipal code with state drug possession laws. In June, a bill co-sponsored by Councilmembers Sara Nelson and Alex Pedersen at the behest of City Attorney Ann Davison was voted down 5-4. In a last-minute turn that killed the June bill,
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