For Immediate Release: December 8, 2005
House Committee hears bill to tax drug dealers
Olympia -- The House Criminal Justice and Corrections Committee today heard testimony on House Bill 2448, that would impose an excise tax on the possession of illegal drugs and alcohol, introduced by Rep. Tom Campbell (R-Roy).
"This legislation would simply say the perpetrator pays," Campbell said." When costs are incurred in the prosecution, conviction and incarceration, "hard working people -- taxpayer -- pay those bills. Under this measure, the lawbreaker pays."
House Bill 2448, which is law in 20 states, would require dealers of unlawful substances and illegal alcohol to pay an excise tax on all transactions. They would be required by law to obtain tax stamps from the Washington State Department of Revenue.
Campbell said he doesn't expect drug dealers to obtain a stamp, but when they're busted, they would face additional penalties for violation of the excise tax, besides the other penalties they would face.
These additional taxes would range from $3.50 per gram of marijuana to $200 for each gram of cocaine.
Campbell said any revenue generated by this legislation would go to state and local law enforcement, including investigation, conviction and programs to reduce drug crimes.
House Bill 2448 is part of a three-tier tier program on Campbell's overall effort to establish a State Department of Public Safety (HB 2472)
The new department, under this bill, would be charged with a major overhaul on the methods of law enforcement. It would establish the Washington Bureau of Investigation, refine the focus of the Washington State Patrol and also create a Bureau of Fire Protection.
House Bill 2472 is scheduled for a public hearing before the House State Government Operations and Accountability Committee on Friday, Jan. 20, at 8:00 a.m. in House Hearing Room D.
For more information, contact Rep. Tom Campbell @ 786-7912