The 2009 legislative session has begun, and together with our state partner A Better Way Foundation (ABWF), we’re continuing our efforts to win smart, effective, compassionate, and public health-oriented drug policies in Connecticut.

Our focus in 2009 will be decriminalizing marijuana under an ounce for personal use by responsible adults; reforming the failed school zone laws that have promoted racial disparity in the state’s criminal justice system; and passing legislation that encourages witnesses of drug overdose to call for medical help, called the 911 Good Samaritan law. DPAN continues to promote sensible reforms in the state that will save money, lives, and enhance community health and safety.

2009 Legislative Agenda

Removing Criminal Sanctions for Marijuana Possession by Adults

In conjunction with our state partner A Better Way Foundation, we are working to advance legislation that would make possession of one ounce or less of marijuana an infraction similar to a speeding ticket. In this fiscal crisis, Connecticut cannot afford to spend scarce tax dollars arresting and prosecuting adults for low-level marijuana possession.

As a money-saving initiative, Connecticut residents are saying, “Decrim makes Cents.” Decriminalization of an ounce or less of marijuana will save taxpayer dollars and free police and court resources to pursue more serious crimes. The current punishment for conviction of marijuana possession is disproportionate and may include collateral consequences such as loss of housing or other benefits, inability to find a job, and loss of financial aid.

Together we can work toward creating smart and fiscally responsible marijuana policies in Connecticut.

Safer Schools, Safer Kids, Safety First

Racial disparities in the enforcement of Connecticut’s drug laws can be traced in large part to the state’s drug fee school zones, which establish stiff penalties for possession or sale of drugs around schools and day care centers.

To understand the impact of these laws more broadly, DPAN’s sister organization. the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) commissioned the first-ever national study of so-called "drug-free" school zone, also known as drug-free zone laws across the country. While school zones were initially conceived as a way to protect children from drug activity, the report found that 88 percent of arrests for drug crimes in school zones in Connecticut happen during the hours when school is not in session. In addition, school zones have not had a measurable deterrent effect and also have demonstrated to increase unwarranted racial disparity through the enforcement of harsh drug penalties.

DPAN seeks to reduce the size and scope of these zones, both to make them more effective and to eliminate the racial disparities associated with their current application.

See our fact sheet on the issue here: Drug Zones, 2009.

Prioritizing Saving Lives and Enhancing Community Health

Each year in Connecticut, hundreds of lives are lost to accidental drug overdoses.  In both 2006 and 2007, over 300 people died of opiate-related drug overdoses alone. Many of these deaths are preventable, but often people delay calling 911, or don’t call at all, because they fear police punishment for drug possession or use. We need policies that prioritize saving lives by encouraging witnesses of overdoses to call for trained medical interventions.

A 911 Good Samaritan Law would provide certain immunities from drug possession arrest and prosecutions for the victims and witnesses of drug overdoses. It does not protect drug dealers and traffickers, and does not prevent police from conducting warrant checks or from securing the scene of a drug overdose. Find out here how a 911 Good Samaritan Law in Connecticut can save lives and increase community health.

See our fact sheet on the issue here.

gabriel sayegh
Director, Organizing and Policy Project
Drug Policy Alliance
(212) 613-8048
gsayegh@drugpolicy.org

Evan Goldstein
Policy Associate, Organizing and Policy Project
(212) 613-8038
egoldstein@drugpolicy.org