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Leaders of three of the legislature’s health committees discussed how these bills will help Washingtonians .
By ED KOMENDA and GENE JOHNSON Associated Press
Washington lawmakers approved and Gov. Jay Inslee quickly signed a major new drug policy, saying it strikes a balance between public order and compassion for those struggling with substance abuse.
New law keeps drug possession illegal, boosts treatment resources
OLYMPIA — Gov. Jay Inslee on Tuesday signed into law a bill that keeps illegal drugs illegal but focuses state and local efforts and resources on treatment and recovery rather than incarceration. “Both parties worked hard to reach this agreement,” Inslee said during the late afternoon signing ceremony. “This is not designed to fill our jails, it’s designed to fill our treatment centers.”