Connecticut House Bill HB05502

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/15
• Refer: 1/16/15

Caption

An Act Increasing The Area Of The Enhanced Penalty Zone For The Sale Or Possession Of Drugs Near Schools And Day Care Centers.

Impact

If enacted, the bill will notably alter existing state laws regarding drug offenses, creating a broader protective buffer around places where children congregate. This expansion reflects an increased emphasis on safeguarding youth from the dangers of drug trafficking and consumption. Given the significant distances involved, this law could contribute to a substantial reduction in drug-related incidents near schools and day care centers, promoting a safer environment for children and families in these communities.

Summary

House Bill 5502 seeks to increase the area designated as drug-free zones around schools and day care centers by raising the buffer zone from 1,500 feet to three miles. This legislation aims to strengthen penalties for the sale or possession of controlled substances within this larger area, effectively enhancing the legal repercussions for drug-related offenses occurring in proximity to educational institutions. The bill specifically stipulates that these enhanced penalties will apply only if the offenses happen during regular school hours or operating hours of the day care centers, thereby targeting periods when children are likely to be present.

Contention

Although the intention behind HB 5502 is to enhance the safety of children, it raises potential concerns regarding the feasibility and implications of imposing harsher penalties over an expanded area. Critics may argue that broadening the drug-free zone could lead to disproportionately harsh outcomes for low-level offenders, particularly in communities where schools and day care centers are located near densely populated or urban areas. There is a concern that such policies may push drug-related activities further away but not eliminate them, thus relocating the problem rather than addressing root causes.

Notable_points

Discussions around this bill may also touch on issues of racial and social justice, as previous similar laws have faced scrutiny for leading to racial disparities in drug-related arrests and convictions. Lawmakers will need to carefully consider these ramifications alongside the bill's aim of protecting children, ensuring that while enhanced penalties are strict, they do not disproportionately impact specific communities.