Sen. Joe Nguyễn issued this statement following the Legislature's passage of Senate Bill 5536:

"Today, the Legislature voted in favor of passing Senate Bill 5536, which specifically addresses the Blake decision here in Washington state. While I acknowledge the negative consequences associated with drug criminalization, I firmly believe that at this juncture, this legislation has the potential to drive the implementation of vital support services for individuals grappling with addiction. "The devastating effects of addiction are alarmingly evident on our streets. This issue extends beyond our local community and afflicts our entire nation. It demands not only immediate attention but also compassionate care. By tackling the underlying systemic issues that perpetuate addiction, we can serve as an example for the nation, ...

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