Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle in Frankfort have made it clear they don’t want to “play politics” with heroin legislation during the 2015 session, but differences remain over just how penalties should be handed down.
It’s the one issue that has Democrats and Republicans singing virtually the same tune – that is, except for some disagreements over definitions.
"We're very close on where we need go," House Judiciary Committee chair Rep. John Tilley tells cn|2. "But I think there's a big sticking point right now and it's that we distinguish between what we consider low-level peddlers who are selling very small amounts - the two gram limit is about two Sweet 'n Low packets worth of heroin - and to treat them the same as somebody who brings in a boatload of heroin to me is not equitable."
The differences center on trafficking. While the Senate version creates a Class C felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison for transporting any amount of heroin, many in the House want to make sure convicted low-level users aren’t immediately lumped in with major traffickers.
Other House members have also expressed support for a needle exchange program, something not included in the Senate bill.
