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Health & Fitness

Rep. Ackert Opposes Bill Reducing Drug-Free Zones Around Schools

Today State Representative Tim Ackert joined his Republican colleagues in the State House of Representatives to fight against a bill aiming to reduce the size of drug-free zones protecting the state’s schools and daycares by shrinking the zone from 1500 feet to 300 feet.

“The purpose of having drug-free zones in our statues is to keep drugs, and all drug-related activity, as far away from our kids and our schools as possible,” said Rep. Ackert, who serves as a Ranking Member on the General Assembly’s Education Committee. “This legislation is both reckless and irresponsible. What kind of message are we sending to parents and educators if this were to become law?”

Democrat advocates of the bill suggested that most of the state’s urban areas are densely populated putting large areas of our cities falling under the demarcated “Drug-Free Zone,” therefore, advocates argued that reducing the zones would increase the likelihood that drug dealers will exhibit more restraint in avoiding schools and daycares.

“I understand that many urban areas fall under the jurisdiction of a drug-free zone, but the argument that dramatically decreasing the scope of drug-free zones will help reduce drug activity around our schools is simply something I cannot, and will not, agree with,” said Rep. Ackert. “In fact, the only people who appear to benefit from this legislation are criminals who peddle drugs near our children. Where is the logic behind this? Let’s not kid ourselves; shrinking the size of our drug-free zones will do nothing to reduce criminal activity near our schools.”

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 is a matter of public safety and the safety of our children,” said Ackert. “And legislation like this would only do harm to both.”

By a vote of 78-65, an amendment which became the bill was approved despite opposition by all Republicans. After lengthy debate, the bill, HB 6511, An Act Concerning the Recommendations of the Connecticut Sentencing Commission Regarding the Enhanced Penalty for the Sale or Possession of Drugs near a Schools, Day Care Centers, and Public Housing Project was “passed temporarily” meaning it was withdrawn for the time being, but could resurface. This session of the Connecticut General Assembly will adjourn on June 5th, 2013.

For further discussion on this or any topic, Rep. Tim Ackert can be reached by email Tim.Ackert@housegop.ct.gov or by phone 860-240-8700.

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