Bolinsky Denounces Plan to Shrink Drug-Free School Zones

Also lessens all penalties for drug possession to a misdemeanor

HARTFORD- A proposal which almost completely eliminates the current drug free school zones in Connecticut for anyone who possesses drugs and reduces all felony drug possession charges to a misdemeanor was passed in the Judiciary committee according to Newtown State Rep. Mitch Bolinsky.

Bolinsky, who helped stop the shrinking of the drug-free school zones in 2013 with an impassioned House floor speech said, “This sends a terrible message to our kids and to people who prey on them, about drug use. Under this proposal, drug users, whether they be students, non-students or even those distributing drugs in small amounts, will be able to get away with a slap on the wrist for possessing hard drugs like heroin, cocaine or marijuana, even within sight of a school as long as they are on the opposite side of the street.”

Governor Malloy’s proposal passed on a 22-20 vote in the legislature’s Judiciary Committee at 1:00 a.m. Friday morning, April 10th.

The legislation, S.B. No. 952, An Act Concerning a Second Chance Society, would make the possession of any narcotic or controlled substance a misdemeanor offense. It also shrinks the current drug-free school zone distance from 1500 ft. to only include the school property.

Authors of the bill claim that the intent of the bill is to give drug offenders a second chance at turning their life around by making drug possession a simple misdemeanor.

The Chief State’s Attorney for Connecticut Kevin Kane disputed the notion that those arrested for first time drug possession are serving time in prison. Kane testified at the public hearing that the reality is persons who commit criminal acts, including possession of illicit drugs, are given multiple opportunities, some as the result of diversionary programs and some as a result of the careful consideration of the prosecutor, to avoid criminal convictions.

Former State Victim Advocate Michelle Cruz ,testified that on any given day, first-time and second-time (even third-time) drug offenders are permitted to apply for and are often granted access to, programs which offer education, treatment and addiction prevention rather than prison time.

“I agree with both Ms. Cruz and Attorney Kane. Connecticut already spends significant state dollars on drug treatment and diversionary programs before drug offenders are subject to jail time.  Selling a plan to make hardcore drug possession a simple misdemeanor is by calling it a second chance plan is disingenuous and downright dishonest,” said Rep. Bolinsky, who continued, “Virtually eliminating our Drug-Free School Zones and decriminalizing the predatory practices of dealers is asinine. Is this some kind of perverse ‘economic opportunity program’ for drug dealers?  I see no upside to shrinking Drug-Free School Zones and, like last year, will fight passage of any bill that includes a provision to do so.  This concept must be defeated.  It is harmful to our state’s most valuable natural resource, our children.”

The bill has the possibility of being referred to the legislature’s Education committee which is a committee Rep. Bolinsky is a member.