Mich. Drug-Reform Plan Won't Be on Ballot September 13, 2002
News Summary
Michigan voters won't be given the chance to reform the state's drug laws after all, as the state Supreme Court declined to place the issue on the November ballot, the Detroit Free Press reported Sept. 11.The ruling stalls the efforts of the Campaign for New Drug Policies, a California-based organization that had been working on the Michigan drug-reform measure.
The proposal, which gained the required signatures to be presented to voters, is being left off the ballot because of a technical error in its wording. The amendment called for the creation of a new Section 24 to Article 1 of the state Constitution, but a Section 24 already exists.
The measure was aimed at easing Michigan's mandatory minimum sentences for drug crimes. Under the initiative, nonviolent drug offenders would receive treatment instead of jail, and inmates in prison for drug crimes would be allowed to seek new sentences.
The Supreme Court's decision upholds rulings issued by the Michigan Court of Appeals and a state elections panel.
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