The bill seeks to reform Washington State's legal framework regarding the possession and use of controlled substances, counterfeit substances, and legend drugs. It establishes new provisions making it unlawful for individuals to knowingly possess or use these substances in public, classifying such actions as gross misdemeanors. The bill emphasizes a rehabilitative approach by encouraging law enforcement to divert cases towards assessment and treatment rather than traditional legal penalties. Additionally, it clarifies definitions and penalties related to cannabis possession for individuals aged 21 and older, while mandating forensic laboratory services to complete analyses of evidence related to drug offenses within a specified timeframe.

Moreover, the bill introduces significant changes to the management of opioid treatment programs and recovery services, including the establishment of a grant program for law enforcement-assisted diversion and a funding program for constructing treatment facilities in underserved areas. It mandates that local governments apply similar requirements for opioid treatment programs as they do for other essential public facilities and prohibits local authorities from imposing maximum capacity limits on these programs. The bill also includes provisions for improving public defense services, ensuring that assessments for substance use disorder services are low-barrier and person-centered, and mandates comprehensive reporting on recovery programs. Overall, the bill aims to enhance access to treatment and support for individuals affected by substance use disorders while ensuring effective regulation and oversight of related programs.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 69.50.4011, 69.50.4013, 69.50.4014, 69.41.030, 69.50.4121, 69.50.509, 9.96.060, 36.70A.200, 36.70A.280, 10.31.115
Substitute Bill: 69.50.4011, 69.50.4013, 69.50.4014, 69.41.030, 69.50.509, 69.50.4121, 9.96.060, 69.50.101, 36.70A.280, 10.31.115, 84.36.043
Second Substitute: 69.50.4011, 69.50.4013, 69.50.4014, 69.41.030, 69.50.509, 69.50.4121, 9.96.060, 36.70A.200, 36.70A.280, 71.24.590, 10.31.110, 10.31.115, 84.36.043
Engrossed Second Substitute: 69.50.4011, 69.50.4013, 69.50.4014, 69.41.030, 69.50.509, 69.50.4121, 9.96.060, 69.50.101, 36.70A.280, 71.24.590, 10.31.110, 10.31.115, 84.36.043
Second Engrossed Second Substitute: 69.50.4011, 69.50.4013, 69.50.4014, 69.41.030, 69.50.509, 69.50.4121, 9.96.060, 69.50.101, 36.70A.280, 71.24.590, 10.31.115, 84.36.043, 42.56.360, 71.24.115, 18.64.600
Bill as Passed Legislature: 69.50.4011, 69.50.4013, 69.50.4014, 69.41.030, 69.50.509, 69.50.4121, 9.96.060, 69.50.101, 36.70A.280, 71.24.590, 10.31.115, 84.36.043, 42.56.360, 71.24.115, 18.64.600
Session Law: 69.50.4011, 69.50.4013, 69.50.4014, 69.41.030, 69.50.509, 69.50.4121, 9.96.060, 69.50.101, 36.70A.280, 71.24.590, 10.31.115, 84.36.043, 42.56.360, 71.24.115, 18.64.600