Fl Taxwatch Rpt on Saving $$

http://floridataxwatch.org/resources/pdf/12082010GCTSF.pdf

this was just released and is long...but a good look at some ways to save money in Florida for anyone who is interested. The report offers 124 recommendations that save $4Billion.

Align Florida's Marijuana and Cocaine Possession Law With Texas and Other Similar States

16. Align Florida?s marijuana and cocaine possession laws with other Texas and other similar states
Florida laws authorize the incarceration in state prisons for the possession of very low quantities of drugs. Possession without intent to deliver or distribute of over 20 grams (7/10th of an ounce) of marijuana in Florida is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison. By contrast, in Kentucky and New York to reach felony level, the accused must have possessed 8 ounces or more (11 times the Florida felony amount); in Texas, it?s 4 ounces.
Possession of any amount of cocaine is also a felony in Florida and this offense has been a major driver of prison growth.
People convicted of drug offenses make up 19.8% of the prison population; those convicted of simple possession of cocaine made up 19% of new commitments (1,938 people) for drug offenses in 2009. According to OPPAGA, ?1,265 drug possession inmates currently in prison scored fewer than 5 prior record points (likely no significant prior offenses). If half were diverted, the state would save $10.4 million annually.?
Across the country, states are making changes in their drug laws to reduce penalties from felonies to misdemeanors.84 For instance, in 2010, the Colorado legislature amended its drug possession laws to make possession of most drugs (e.g., cocaine and heroin) a misdemeanor rather than a felony (and marijuana possession is decriminalized in Colorado). Colorado is reinvesting the money saved in treatment programs.
As of July 1, 2010, there were 2,260 inmates in custody of the Florida Department of Corrections due to charges of illegal possession of marijuana or cocaine. One third of these inmates were first-time offenders. The average maximum sentence for illegal possession is 2.9 years with an average of 2.17 years for first time offenders. If half of the first-time offenders were diverted from prison, the state could save approximately $6.7 million, annually.86
Recommendation: The Florida Legislature should amend 893.13(6)(b), Florida Statutes, to reclassify low-level marijuana and/or cocaine possession as a misdemeanor.
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