BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The Bellingham City Council voted on Monday, July 24th, to adopt new state laws addressing public drug use and accessory dwelling units.

The new state law criminalizing public drug use took effect earlier this month and was accepted by the Council unanimously.

It makes possession of controlled substances a gross misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of six months in jail.

Another new state law passed in April looked to encourage the construction of ADUs.

It requires the city to allow up to two ADUs on residential lots and for the accessory units to be sold seperately from the main units on the lot.

The Council made one amendment that requires the owner of an ADU to live on the site.

That ordinance was passed 6-1.

The Council also voted to add a measure to the November ballot that would increase the minimum wage.