Connecticut Senate Bill SB00244

Connecticut 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/23/12
• Refer: 2/23/12

Caption

An Act Concerning The Enhanced Penalty For The Sale Or Possession Of Drugs Near Schools, Day Care Centers And Public Housing Projects.

Impact

The bill aims to deter drug-related offenses near students and vulnerable populations by increasing the penalties for selling or possessing drugs in those areas. This is part of a broader initiative to improve community safety and protect children from the dangers associated with drug trafficking. The revised law is set to enforce a one-year mandatory prison sentence for anyone caught in these zones, significantly escalating the consequences of such offenses. This amendment reflects a growing concern regarding drug availability and its implications for young people.

Summary

SB00244 is legislation aimed at revising the penalties associated with drug-related offenses occurring in close proximity to schools, daycare centers, and public housing projects. The bill revises Section 21a-267 of the general statutes to impose stricter penalties for the sale or possession of controlled substances and drug paraphernalia within specified distances of these sensitive locations. Notably, the bill eliminates the enhanced penalties for violations near public housing projects, a point that sparked considerable discussion during committee reviews.

Contention

Some lawmakers and community advocates raised concerns about the implications of enhanced penalties, particularly questioning the efficacy of mandatory sentences in addressing the root causes of drug offenses. Critics argued that while the intention is to protect children, an increase in incarceration rates may not effectively reduce drug use and may disproportionately impact certain demographics. The exclusion of public housing from areas eligible for enhanced penalties was also contentious, leading to debates about the equitable application of justice and the need for local context in policy enforcement.