Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has put forth an amended plan to address the drug crisis and increase funding for treatment programs in the city. The proposal aims to align Seattle’s code with the state’s controlled substance law, making drug possession and public drug use, including fentanyl, a gross misdemeanor. However, the plan also emphasizes diversion and health programs, allocating $27 million for opioid treatment and related facilities. Seattle has experienced a significant increase of 72 percent in overdose deaths from 2021 to 2022.
Harrell’s proposal is a step forward in creating a safer and healthier Seattle. Urgency is being prioritized in implementing a bold health-first approach to assist those in need, mitigate the effects of public drug consumption, and hold drug dealers and traffickers accountable. The City Council previously declined to adopt the new state law with a vote of 5-4 in June. Opponents expressed concerns that the law could lead to harsher enforcement, particularly for marginalized communities, and revive the war on drugs.
In response to these concerns, Mayor Harrell appointed a task force consisting of city council members and public safety experts to work on the measure for a month. The $27 million funding for opioid treatment would come from settlement money obtained by the city through opioid lawsuits. The plan also provides guidance to the police, emphasizing diversion, treatment, and alternative approaches to booking individuals. Arrests should only be considered if the person presents a threat of harm to themselves or others.
Councilmember Andrew Lewis, who previously voted against the measure in June, expressed support for the balanced approach presented by the new legislation. Lewis believes that this package of measures provides first responders with the necessary tools to divert individuals to services whenever possible and make arrests when necessary. Lewis’ vote played a crucial role in the failure of the previous measure.
To address the drug crisis, Washington state enacted a law in May that aimed to strike a balance between public order and compassion for individuals struggling with substance abuse. Legislative pressure to pass a new bill stemmed from the expiration of a temporary law that criminalized intentional drug possession. Without a new law, drug possession would have been decriminalized under state legislation. The new state law designates intentional drug possession as a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail for the first two offenses and up to a year thereafter. However, police and prosecutors are encouraged to divert cases to treatment or other relevant services. The state law also provides $44 million for investments in methadone mobile units, crisis centers, and short-term housing for individuals with substance use disorders.
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