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Reform bills-2003



By Suzanne Wills, Drug Policy Chair

April, 2003

Several drug policy reform bills have been introduced in the Texas Legislature.

SB 438, Jon Lindsay (R-Harris Co.), HB 1074, Eddie Rodriquez (D-Travis Co.)- Provides for the anonymous exchange of used hypodermic needles and syringes for an equal number of new hypodermic needles and syringes.

Pro-Such programs reduce the rate of hepatitis C and HIV transmission from nearly 50% to about 5%. Every dollar spent on needle exchange programs saves about $20 in treatment costs. Addicts who utilize needle exchanges are more likely to seek other health care including substance abuse treatment.

Con-Harm reduction programs undercut law enforcement’s role in drug use. The next step would be providing safe drugs. The logic would lead to decriminalization of drugs.

HB 715, Harold Dutton (D-Harris Co.)- Reduce possession of less than one ounce of marijuana from a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in county jail and a $2,000 fine to a Class C misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine.

Pro- The time and resources of police officers and courts would be available for more serious crimes. Young people would be kept in their neighborhoods where their parents, teachers and others can help them rather than in jail, where most get worse instead of better. Young offenders would not have a record that would hold them back for the rest of their lives. Many Texans are in jail or on probation for possession of very small quantities of marijuana. Studies have shown that decreased penalties have little or no impact on rates of use.

Con- Law enforcement’s role would be undercut. The logic would lead to decriminalization of drugs.

HB 801, Terry Keel (R-Travis Co.)-Abolish the Regional Narcotics Task Forces and redirect their funding to local law enforcement.

Pro-These task forces have been rife with corruption for many years much more so than local law enforcement. Task force members were responsible for the Tulia, Hearne and Dallas Sheetrock scandals. After 15 years of operation the task forces have succeeded in imprisoning large numbers of low level, usually minority offenders but have had no effect on drug abuse.

Con- Abolishing the task forces would be a blow to many small towns that rely on task forces for personnel, money and expertise for enforcing narcotics laws.

SB 515, Juan Hinojosa (D-Brooks Co)-Require corroboration of testimony of undercover officers in cases involving controlled substances.

Pro-There have been many cases of undercover officers lying to convict drug defendants such as in the Tulia and Dallas Sheetrock scandals.

Con-Small towns cannot afford to employ more than one undercover officer.

For more information on these and other bills see www.dpftaustin.org.

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