Assembly Committees will hold a joint public hearing. To explore the impact of the “Rockefeller Drug Laws” on drug addiction, drug-related health problems and drug-related crime; to examine the impact of the 2004 and 2005 reforms of these drug laws in addressing drug abuse and the illegal drug trade; to examine the effectiveness of substance abuse treatment services as an alternative to incarceration and as a means to address offender recidivism; to determine the adequacy and effectiveness of existing substance abuse treatment services and resources; to explore whether the current criminal sentence structure should be continued or whether judges should have additional discretion to divert drug abusers into treatment as an alternative to incarceration; to examine access and barriers to social services for persons with a history of substance abuse released from incarceration. The hearings are schedule for May 8, 2008 at 10:00 AM and May 15, 2008 at 10:30 AM

JOSEPH R. LENTOL Member of Assembly Chair, Committee on Codes

HELENE E. WEINSTEIN Member of Assembly Chair, Committee on Judiciary

JEFFRION L. AUBRY Member of Assembly Chair, Committee on Correction

RICHARD N. GOTTFRIEDMember of AssemblyChair, Committee on Health

FELIX ORTIZ Member of AssemblyChair, Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse

KEITH L. T. WRIGHTMember of AssemblyChair, Committee on Social Services

PLEASE SEE ATTACHED FILE FOR MORE INFORMATION