SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5540

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

               Law & Justice, February 20, 1995

Title:  An act relating to drug‑free zones in public housing projects.

Brief Description:  Authorizing drug‑free zones around public housing authority facilities.

Sponsors:  Senators Smith, Roach, C. Anderson, Schow, Franklin, Kohl and Winsley.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Law & Justice:  2/14/95, 2/20/95 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5540 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

  Signed by Senators Smith, Chair; C. Anderson, Vice Chair; Hargrove, Haugen, Johnson, Long, McCaslin, Roach and Schow.

Staff:  Martin Lovinger (786-7443)

Background:  Current law declares a number of locations to be drug-free zones.  In these zones the penalties for drug-related crimes are doubled.  The locations covered by this law are schools, school bus stops, public parks, and public transit vehicles and shelters.

It is felt that a large number of illegal drug transactions occur in or near public housing projects, placing the residents at risk and increasing their general level of fear.  However, because these facilities are neither schools nor public parks, they are not eligible for designation as drug-free zones.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  Public housing projects designated by a local governing authority as drug-free zones are added as a new category to the current list of places where the penalties for drug-related crimes are doubled. 

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The original bill was not considered.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 7, 1995.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  This bill is necessary for the well-being of the many people, especially children, living in public housing developments.  Experience has shown that drug-free zones are effective in the fight against drug dealing.  The money involved in drug dealing is very attractive to children.  Drug-free zones will dilute that attractiveness.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Debbie O'Pry, Peter Low, Grandview Residents Council; Laune Carrell, Everett Housing Authority; Robert Barret, Kennewick Housing Authority; John Harmon, Bellingham Housing Authority; Pauline McKinney, Bremerton Housing Authority; Robert Sawyer, Seattle Housing Authority.