DENVER – A House Judiciary meeting is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday to discuss a bill sponsored by Democratic Rep. Leslie Herod and Republican Rep. Shane Sandridge who believes by reclassifying simple drug possession as a misdemeanor, that it would ultimately result in fewer felony records, reduced jail sentences, and million in savings to the state.
“Most Coloradans agree we should focus more on treatment and prevention instead of punishment and incarceration, and that is exactly what this legislation does,” Rep. Herod said.
June 2021 will mark the 50th anniversary of President Richard Nixon’s declaration of a “war on drugs.”
“Simply put, the war on drugs has failed. It has cost the state of Colorado millions of dollars and has resulted in the loss of lives and the destruction of communities,” said Rep. Herod.
HB19-1263 aims to put Colorado on a new path toward de-incarceration and taxpayer savings.
An analysis conducted by the Joint Budget Committee showed savings ranging from $8.6 million to $13.7 million over the next five years.
The bill would not change the punishments for those charged with possession of drugs with intent to distribute.
