Time is running out to change cocaine-crack law

Today is the last day of the 2005 legislative regular session and time is running to change the cocaine crack possession law.

From The Connecticut Post

Rell's vetoes include a controversial bill aimed at reducing the racial disparity in state prisons by equalizing the amount of crack or powder cocaine a suspect could possess before facing a mandatory five-year penalty for dealing.

[...]

Rell offered lawmakers a compromise setting half an ounce of either type of cocaine as the tripwire for the harsher dealing charge. A deal could be finalized during the race to the finish late tonight.

Currently, if a person has 1/2 gram crack (about the size of a raisin) or 28 grams of cocaine in their possession, that individual would receive a mandatory 5 year prison sentance. The Gov vetoed a change in the law that would of raised the possession requirement for crack from 1/2 gram to 28 grams but offered to sign the bill if the amount of cocaine and crack was equalized at 14 grams.

Will keep you posted on what develops at the Capital tonight.