Texas Gov. Considers Lighter Sentences for Drug Offenders June 11, 2003
News Summary
A bill before Texas Gov. Rick Perry would replace prison sentences for first-time, low-level drug offenders with probation and mandatory drug treatment, the San Antonio Express-News reported May 31.The measure applies to individuals caught with less than a pound but more than an ounce of marijuana. Under current Texas law, possession of 4 ounces to 5 pounds of marijuana is considered a felony.
The bill also allows for probation and treatment for those possessing less than a gram of cocaine or methamphetamines and no more than five doses of LSD.
Passage of the bill by the Republican-controlled Texas House of Representatives was unexpected. "This is the first time I've agreed with liberal Democrats on anything," said Rep. Ray Allen (R-Grand Prairie).
Allen said the bill makes sense because it eases the state's overcrowded prisons while helping nonviolent, first-time offenders who aren't drug dealers to get help for their addiction.
"We have a limited number of prison beds and they're all full," Allen said. "I think it was able to pass because we're under such pressure to save our prison resources for truly dangerous criminals."
Allen said the bill could save taxpayers $52 million in each two-year budget cycle.
The governor has until June 16 to sign or veto the legislation.
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