Carpino Fights the Shrinking of Drug Free Zones

HARTFORD- State Rep. Christie Carpino (Cromwell & Portland) submitted testimony to the legislature’s Judiciary committee opposing a proposal that would cut “drug free zone” areas from within 1,500 feet of a school, day care, or public housing complex, to within 200 feet.

Current law imposes stricter penalties for illegal drug-related activities within 1,500 feet around a public and private elementary and secondary schools, a public housing projects, and licensed child day care centers. SB-259 would reduce the state’s drug-free zones from 1,500 feet to 200 feet.

Carpino, who represents close to 3500 school children in Cromwell and Portland, said, “Each one of these kids will face struggles throughout their lives, giving drug dealers reduced penalties for selling close to their schools is one danger we should not impose on them.”

Last year, when a similar proposal came to the floor of the House of Representatives, House leadership were forced stop debate and pull the plug on the proposal after Carpino and other legislators across party lines stood in opposition against the shrinking of drug free zones.

Carpino expects this proposal to come up for a vote in the Judiciary committee, where she is a member.