Legislature look to combat illegal substance abuse

OLYMPIA — A bill currently under consideration by the Washington State legislature would expand the use of drug treatment as an alternative to prison for those convicted of misdemeanor drug possession. "Oftentimes, the arrest is what helps people get out of the immediate drug-induced crisis that they're in," said Rep. Jacquelin Maycumber (R-Republic), in a release by her office. "Getting them away from the bad influences around them and into various programs and offering services is a much more humane and effective way to handle drug abuse."