OLYMPIA…Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood, today successfully limited the number of times a felony drug offender can reduce his or her jail time by voluntarily participating in the state’s Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative (DOSA) program.

DOSA is a three- to six-month drug treatment program. Current law limits eligible participants in the program to drug offenders who have not been convicted of violent or sex offenses, but the law ultimately leaves much of the decision, including the length of treatment, at the discretion of the judge.

Carrell’s amendment to Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2015 allows drug offenders two opportunities to get themselves clean through the DOSA program. With convictions of any additional drug crimes, offenders would no longer have the option to participate in the program.

“This program can work if you are willing to help yourself,” Carrell said. “The message I want to send with this amendment is that the state is more than willing to help you get clean not once, but twice if necessary. But space in this program is limited, so if that doesn’t work, tough love is the only option you have left.” 

The bill, with Carrell’s amendment, was approved by the Senate 46-1 and now goes back to the House to consider the changes made by the Senate.

For more information about DOSA and to view a recent Washington State Institute for Public Policy evaluation of its costs and benefits, visit: http://www.wsipp.wa.gov/rptfiles/05-01-1901.pdf.

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For more information contact Tami Davis (360) 786-7519 or davis.tami@leg.wa.gov