Governor Jay Inslee called a special session of the state legislature to work on a new drug possession law. The legislature had previously failed to agree on a framework for drug possession penalties after the Senate and House passed differing versions of the same bill. The Governor has said he wants a new law on the books by July 1st.
The state Supreme Court struck down an existing law in 2021 that made possession a felony, which was known as the "Blake" decision. Lawmakers then reinstated a misdemeanor penalty, which expires on July 1st.
The failure of the legislature to act on a new drug possession law could leave enforcement of drug possession violations in the hands of cities and counties. The special session of the state legislature is set to begin May 16th.