OLYMPIA — Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs issued the following statement in response to Governor Jay Inslee’s proclamation of a special legislative session.
“As Secretary of State, it is my duty to add the Washington State Seal to Governor Inslee’s proclamation of a special legislative session to establish a policy on drug possession. I support this extraordinary action, which provides the Legislature time and authority to create consistent statewide laws that balance compassion with accountability.
“The July 1 deadline that we in the Legislature passed two years ago imposes urgency. So does the severity of the addiction crisis felt by many people across Washington, including my family. I welcome the May 16 special session as an opportunity for the Legislature to address this critical societal need with enforceable laws that contain meaningful penalties and offer a path to treatment.
“My office and I will support the Legislature any way we can in building this agreement.”