FINAL BILL REPORT

                   SB 5672

                           C 30 L 97

                      Synopsis as Enacted

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

Sponsors:  Senators Strannigan, Franklin, McCaslin, Benton, Wood, Winsley, Horn, Wojahn, Kline, Kohl and Oke.

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

House Committee on Criminal Justice & Corrections

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, public transit vehicles and shelters, and civic centers.

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, under current law, they are not eligible for designation as drug-free zones.

Summary:  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.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate 46 0

House     98 0

Effective:  July 27, 1997