Idaho Bills

Amends existing law to revise penalties for trafficking and use of controlled substances and to revise how use of controlled substances may be treated.

This legislation is intended to refocus Idaho's response to the use of illegal drugs from prosecution and punishment to treatment by (i) decriminalizing the unlawful use of controlled substances in private places, and (ii) repealing the current prohibition on civil commitments for drug abuse. The legislation does not excuse the commission of crimes that might be associated, arise from or co-occur with the use and possession of illegal drugs, and it expressly retains prohibitions in Idaho law on (i) using and being under the influence in public places, (ii) drug trafficking (while adding an intent to deliver requirement to the trafficking statutes), and (iii) driving under the influence. The pervasive drug culture sends powerful and confusing messages that encourage drug use. In too many instances young and impressionable minds tragically fall into drug use. Add in attempted self-medication by an unfortunatenumberofcompromisedpeopleandthelackofanadequatementalhealthcaresystem, andwehave a significant number of people who are vulnerable to those who push illegal drugs, significantly contributing to high levels of substance abuse. It is appropriate to view many of those with substance abuse issues as crime victims needing treatment, not as criminals.