Drug Reclassification (H 5760, S 472)

The implications of a felony charge versus a misdemeanor are substantial, and impact numerous facets of one’s life, including access to employment, housing and higher education. This legislation would have reclassified simple drug possession from a felony to a misdemeanor. We spoke in favor of the legislation, noting that this bill would ensure that an individual’s criminal record does not automatically exclude them from the very structures they need to support their recovery. This bill died in committee in both chambers.