Policy

Snafu sets Washington on path to decriminalize drugs, unintentionally

Legislators must reach a deal by July 1, when an existing law is scheduled to expire.
The Space Needle and the Seattle skyline are shown against a cloudy sky, Thursday, April 30, 2020, as seen from Kerry Park. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Washington State lawmakers are likely to return to Olympia for a special session after a deal meant to fix drug possession laws suffered an unexpected defeat in the final hours of the regular session on Sunday.

If legislators do not reach a deal by July 1, when an existing law is scheduled to expire, Washington would effectively decriminalize the use and possession of illegal drugs — something neither Democrats nor Republicans want to see happen.

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