Proposed Bill May Lessen Punishment for Repeat Drug Offenders

By Alison Gonzalez

Published on May 15, 2007

The measure, which O'Malley has indicated he is "leaning away" from, would make twice-convicted drug dealers eligible for parole. This means that the mandatory ten year prison sentence for a non-violent drug offender could be reduced to as little as 2 ½ years.

O'Malley said he doubts the bill would create better drug treatment options for what corrections officials estimate is 70 percent of Maryland's 22,692 inmates who are serving time for drug offenses.

Judges, public defenders and other opponents added that state funding is not sufficient enough to keep up with the demand for inpatient beds, which is considered the best form of treatment. They also said the bill does nothing but let drug offenders out of jail sooner.

Supporters argued the measure would take pressure off the state's already overcrowded jail system, and that locking up non-violent drug offenders instead of offering treatment doesn't address their addiction or prevent them from being arrested again.

The bill would be the first veto of the governor's administration. A representative for the O'Malley said he will most likely make a decision by the end of this week.

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