To: The California State House
Bring Some Sanity to the "War on Drugs"
Bring some sanity to the so-called "war on drugs." Pass SB 649 and give California counties control of sentencing for nonviolent drug possession.
Why is this important?
The so-called "War on Drugs" has turned a public health problem into a multi-billion dollar taxpayer boondoggle. California State Senator Mark Leno's Senate Bill 649 would move California toward a smarter, humane, cost-effective justice system. It would reduce overcrowding in our prisons by allowing prosecutors to charge non-violent drug possession as a misdemeanor, rather than as a felony.
SB 649 would free up funds currently supporting jails to be used for drug treatment instead. Studies show that in the 13 states that classify drug possession as a misdemeanor, treatment rates are higher and incarceration rates are lower, with no increase in crime.
SB 649 would free up funds currently supporting jails to be used for drug treatment instead. Studies show that in the 13 states that classify drug possession as a misdemeanor, treatment rates are higher and incarceration rates are lower, with no increase in crime.