The Delaware House of Representatives Tuesday overwhelmingly approved a comprehensive drug sentencing reform bill. The bill, House Bill 19 [12], would, most notably, make simple drug possession offenses misdemeanors. Drug possession is currently a felony.
Drug sentencing reform is moving in Dover. (Image via Wikimedia)
The bill also reduces the size of "drug-free zones" near schools, day care centers, or churches from 1,000 feet to 300 feet. It removes proximity to a church as an aggravating factor if the church does not have a school or day care center.
On the other hand, the bill creates a new felony offense of possessing firearms while possessing drugs. It also increases penalties for dealing prescription drugs.
The bill passed the House 39-1. It now goes to the state Senate.