Bill to reduce felony drug possession charges dies in subcommittee General Assembly Building (FILE) (Source: WVIR) By Hyung Jun Lee | February 5, 2021 at 5:04 PM EST - Updated February 5 at 9:58 PM RICHMOND, Va. - Virginia lawmakers hoped to advance a bill that would eliminate felony drug possession charges and shift a focus to treatment, not punishment, of substance abuse. The measure had bipartisan support and backing from many commonwealth attorneys’ and lawyers around the state, but it died in a House subcommittee. Anyone found in possession of controlled substances would face misdemeanor charges under House Bill 2303 introduced by Delegate Sally Hudson (D-Charlottesville). The bill would also amend the conditions set for probation under the current first offender statute, which allows drug possession charges to be dismissed if certain conditions are met.