"Drug addiction responds to treatment," said Sen. Chris Buttars, (R-West Jordan), sponsor of the bill. "In many ways these offenders are victims themselves. They never intended to get into this."

Under the measure, anyone convicted or entering a guilty plea for a drug felony would undergo screening and assessment for prior drug use before sentencing. Judges would use the information to make their decision.

The new approach for drug offenses is also expected to save the state millions of dollars and free up beds for violent criminals. It could also put plans on hold to build new multimillion-dollar prisons to address overcrowding.

"We have to find a way to reach those that have fallen victim to drugs," said Sen. James Evans (R-Salt Lake City). "How much more is it costing us to not address this problem?"

A second Senate vote is needed before the measure can move on to the Utah House of Representatives.

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