SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5476
As of March 25, 2021
Title: An act relating to addressing the State v. Blake decision.
Brief Description: Addressing the State v. Blake decision.
Sponsors: Senators Dhingra, Hasegawa, Hunt, Kuderer, Lovelett, Nguyen, Pedersen, Rivers, Robinson, Salda?a and Wellman.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Ways & Means: 3/31/21.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Establishes personal use amounts for controlled substances.
  • Removes criminal penalties for the possession of a controlled or counterfeit substance or a legend drug that does not exceed the personal use amount.
  • Authorizes law enforcement to refer individuals possessing a personal use amount of a controlled substance, counterfeit substance, or legend drug to a forensic navigator for the purpose of evaluation and treatment.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS
Staff: Kayla Hammer (786-7305) and Shani Bauer (786-7468)
Background:

Uniform Controlled Substances Act.  The Uniform Controlled Substances Act regulates the manufacture, distribution, and dispensation of controlled substances.  It also criminalizes certain conduct related to controlled substances and counterfeit substances.  The criminal penalties for violating the Uniform Controlled Substances Act depend upon the nature of the violation and the type of substance.

 

A "controlled substance" means, a drug or substance included in Schedules I through V, with some exceptions.  Drugs and substances are placed on schedules based on their potential for abuse, medical use, and safety.  Substances in Schedule I are the most tightly controlled, while those in Schedule V are the least tightly controlled.   A "counterfeit substance" means a controlled substance that has been altered to look like a substance produced or distributed by a manufacturer, distributor, or dispenser.  Related provisions regulate legend drugs—prescription drugs. 

 

Among others, crimes contained in the Uniform Controlled Substances Act and related provisions include:

  • possession of a controlled substance, unless authorized by law or obtained through a valid prescription, which is a class C felony;
  • possession of 40 grams or less of marijuana, unless authorized by law, which is a misdemeanor;
  • possession, manufacture, or distribution of a counterfeit substance unless authorized by law, which is a class B or class C felony depending on the substance;
  • possession, sale, or delivery of any legend drug, except pursuant to a prescription, which is a class B felony if the offense involves sale, delivery, or possession with intent to deliver, or a misdemeanor for a simple possession offense; and
  • use, delivery, or possession or manufacture with intent to deliver, drug paraphernalia, which is generally a misdemeanor, but becomes a gross misdemeanor if the drug paraphernalia is delivered to a minor at least three years younger than the defendant.

 

It is a class 3 civil infraction to use marijuana in view of the general public or in a public place.  A class 3 civil infraction carries a penalty of $50.

 

State v. Blake.  Washington's statute governing possession of a controlled substance is a strict liability offense.  That is, a person can be found guilty of possession without proof that the defendant knew they possessed the substance.  In February of this year, the Washington Supreme Court found this statute to be unconstitutional, holding that the Legislature's criminalization of passive conduct with no requirement to prove criminal intent is a violation of due process.  This decision invalidated any Washington sentence for simple possession of a controlled substance.

 

Forensic Navigators.  When an individual is referred by the court for a competency to stand trial evaluation, or ordered to receive outpatient competency restoration, an impartial forensic navigator may be assigned.  Forensic navigators are employed or contracted by the Department of Social and Health Services to assist an individual in accessing treatment and other support services and to collect information about the individual for the prosecuting attorney, defense attorney, and court.

Summary of Bill:

A personal use amount of a controlled substance is defined as an amount that does not exceed:

  • 40 units of methadone;
  • 40 pills of oxycodone;
  • one gram of heroin;
  • one gram or five pills of MDMA;
  • two grams of cocaine;
  • two grams of methamphetamine;
  • 40 units of LSD; or
  • 12 grams of psilocybin.

 

It is unlawful for a person to knowingly possess more than a personal use amount of a controlled substance or counterfeit substance.  It is unlawful for a person under the age of 21 to knowingly possess a controlled substance or counterfeit substance of any amount.  Unless the use is subject to a valid prescription, it is unlawful for a person to knowingly possess more than a personal use amount, or for a person under the age of 21 to knowingly possess any amount, of a legend drug.  A person who possesses a personal use amount of a controlled substance, counterfeit substance, or legend drug may be referred to a forensic navigator for evaluation and services. 

 

A person under the age of 21 who is guilty of possession of a controlled substance is guilty of a gross misdemeanor, previously a class C felony.

 

Using or manufacturing drug paraphernalia is not illegal to the extent the drug paraphernalia is for personal use.  A class 3 civil infraction is established for opening a package or using a controlled substance or counterfeit substance in view of the general public or a public place.  A class 3 civil infraction is subject to a maximum penalty of $125.

 

A forensic navigator may be used as a resource for law enforcement to serve as a care coordinator for substance use disorder resources.  When a forensic navigator receives information alleging a person was in possession of a personal use amount of a controlled substance, counterfeit substance, or legend drug, the forensic navigator must attempt to contact the individual to provide resources for evaluation, treatment, recovery, and support.

 

The State v. Blake reimbursement account is created in the state treasury.  All receipts from the new class 3 civil infraction created by this act must be deposited into the account.  Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation.  Expenditures must be used for state and local government costs resulting from the Supreme Court's decision in State v. Blake.

Appropriation: The bill contains a section or sections to limit implementation to the availability of amounts appropriated for that specific purpose.
Fiscal Note: Requested on March 24,2021.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.