gross misdemeanor

Inslee said he spoke to both Republicans and Democrats before setting May 16th as the date for the legislature to begin drafting a new drug possession law.

The legislature adjourned for the year after 15 Democrats joined all Republicans to reject the proposal, which included a gross misdemeanor penalty for possession.

The Washington State passed a bill Friday that would make the possession and use of hard drugs a gross misdemeanor and give courts more leverage to compel an individual to enter and successfully complete treatment programs for their substance abuse.