Salomon bill would hold people accountable for failing to comply with court ordered drug treatment programs

Sen. Jesse Salomon D-32

Olympia – Sen. Jesse Salomon (D-Shoreline) has introduced a bill which would encourage treatment for those found in possession of controlled substances while holding people charged with illegal drug possession accountable for failing to comply with court ordered treatment.

“Working for 15 years as a public defense attorney and child welfare prosecutor, I have worked with thousands of people affected by drug addiction. I believe we need to encourage and fund treatment, but I understand that people in the throes of addiction can’t always make the best choice for themselves and their families,” added Salomon. 

“Therefore, under the bill, if people are convicted of illegal drug possession and refuse treatment, there will be jail time imposed. If they do complete the treatment, the case will be dismissed.”

This bill would provide an opportunity for those arrested for simple possession to receive the help they need and start their path to recovery. The current process in which officers must refer people without allowing any criminal charges would be repealed.

“This is an outside-the-box policy idea that is treatment-forward but with accountability for failure to undergo treatment,” said Salomon. “I have heard from many mayors, community members and police officers that the current referral system is not working. This bill provides a better path.”

First and foremost, this bill is about effective treatment. If the person completes the substance use disorder treatment prior to their conviction being entered, the court would be required to dismiss the charge. If a conviction is entered, the court could not sentence to jail but would order the person to undergo treatment based on their treatment needs. If the person completes the treatment, the conviction would be overturned and dismissed.

If the person willfully abandons or demonstrates a consistent failure to engage in treatment, however, the court would be required to impose at least 45 days of jail.

Under this legislation, the treatment requirement would be subject to the availability of treatment and the availability of funding for it. If treatment or funding were not available, the court would not be allowed to sanction the person with jail time for noncompliance with treatment. This provision protects indigent individuals from being at an unfair disadvantage due to their financial status.

“We appreciate and support this bipartisan proposal that provides incentives to encourage drug rehabilitation and treatment, while holding those who are in unlawful possession of drugs accountable in a compassionate manner. We must break the cycle of drug abuse, provide help to individuals in need, and take back our public spaces for our community and our businesses,” said Steven D. Strachan, Executive Director of the Washington State Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.

The bill has already received bipartisan support from three Republican members and 12 Democratic members, including the Senate minority leader.

“We all learned during the failed war on drugs that we can’t arrest or jail our way out of the drug epidemic. But we’re now learning that voluntary programs alone aren’t enough, either. A middle ground that focuses on treatment but has consequences for failing to complete it is the right step forward,” said Shoreline Mayor Keith Scully.

Sen. Jesse Salomon, D-Shoreline, represents the 32nd Legislative District, which includes Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Seattle, Shoreline, Woodway, and unincorporated Snohomish County.