Zupkus Helps Stall Proposal to Shrink Drug-Free Zones

HARTFORD — State Rep. Lezlye Zupkus today helped stall legislation that would shrink the size of drug-free zones from 1,500 feet to 300 feet and effectively reduce the penalty pegged on criminals who possess and push drugs near schools and day care centers.

The legislation, H.B. 6511, is propelled largely by legislators who represent urban centers. They contend people arrested for drug-related offenses in their communities can’t escape enhanced penalties applied to crimes inside drug-free zones due to the concentration of schools and daycare centers.

Zupkus, though, said the bill sends the wrong message.

“We should do everything we can to keep drugs away from children, but this proposal runs counter to that goal,” said Zupkus, a member of the legislature’s Public Safety Committee. “Selling drugs near a school carries a stiff penalty today, but it won’t be nearly as tough if this bill passes.”

The proposal seeks to shrink the drug-free zones in every community throughout Connecticut, no matter the population size. That didn’t sit well with Zupkus, House Republicans, and some Democrats from suburban communities who didn’t like the one-size-fits-all approach.

After many probing questions from Republicans, the bill was “passed temporarily”—meaning, it was withdrawn for the time being, but could be recalled before the legislative session ends June 5.

The current penalty for using or possessing with intent to use drug paraphernalia (other than in relation to less than one-half ounce of marijuana) 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.

“This bill doesn’t do anything to help parents in the very difficult and often constant fight to keep their children away from drugs,” Zupkus said. “It only helps drug dealers.”