On Thursday, May 29th, State Representative Bill Simanski (R-Granby) joined his Republican colleagues in the State House of Representatives to fight against a bill aiming to reduce the size of drug-free zones protecting the schools and daycares by shrinking the zone from 1500 feet to 300 feet state-wide.
Democrat advocates of the bill suggested that most of the state’s urban areas are densely populated putting large areas of the within the demarcated “Drug-Free Zone,” therefore, advocates argued that reducing the zones would increase the likelihood drug dealers will exhibit more restraint in avoiding schools and daycares. Although advocates of the reduction argued the current 1500 feet zone is disparate treatment against the big cities, their argument proved disingenuous since they defeated an amendment that would have allowed each municipality to maintain or reduce the drug-free zone as best suits their community.
“The theory that reducing the distance of these zones will actually lead to less drug activity may be engaging for some of our state’s more urban areas, but for towns in the 62nd district, and for the majority of the state, this legislation would do nothing but bring criminal and drug activity closer to our schools and closer to our children without any additional consequences,” said Rep. Simanski. “This legislation presents an unacceptable danger to our children’s safety – and I simply could not support such an irresponsible proposal.”
The current penalty for using or possessing with intent to use drug paraphernalia is a class C misdemeanor punishable by up to three months in prison, a fine of up to $500 or both. Delivering, possessing or manufacturing them with intent to deliver is a class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison, a fine of $2,000, or both. The enhanced penalties mandate one year in prison for using illegal drug paraphernalia in a Drug-Free Zone, two years in prison for possession, and three years in prison for selling, manufacturing or distributing.
By a vote of 78-65, an amendment which became the bill was approved despite opposition by all Republicans. After lengthy debate, the bill, HB 6511, An Act Concerning the Recommendations of the Connecticut Sentencing Commission Regarding the Enhanced Penalty for the Sale or Possession of Drugs near a Schools, Day Care Centers, and Public Housing Project was “passed temporarily” meaning it was withdrawn for the time being, but could resurface.
This session of the Connecticut General Assembly will adjourn on June 5th, 2013.
For further discussion on this or any topic, Rep. Bill Simanski can be reached by email Bill.Simanski@housegop.ct.gov or by phone 860-240-8700.
