Last Updated April 14, 2004

Low-level, first-time drug offenders get community based treatment for eighteen months instead of a prison sentence as of November 1, 2003. The bill was originally written to released prisoners retroactively, but the state Senate struck this measure to avoid a conflict with the governor.

State Sen. Pete Brungardt (R-Salina) voted for the bill: “It is a vote to avoid a tax increase for new prison construction and operation. The present system doesn’t work. We must change our methods of dealing with the disease of drug addiction.”

Before the new law, Kansas had some of the strictest marijuana laws in the nation. Possession of any amount of marijuana was subject to a $2,500 fine and up to one year in prison. Taxpayers are now saving $21,000 a year for each non-violent drug offender not sent to prison.