OLYMPIA, Wash. – Days after the Bellingham City Council voted to approve a public drug use ordinance, state lawmakers have taken action against drug possession.

House members voted 54-41 on Wednesday, April 12th, to pass Senate Bill 5536.

It would make illicit drug possession a misdemeanor statewide, carrying a possible 90-day jail sentence and $1,000 fine.

Democratic Representative Lauren Davis said the bill includes opportunities for diversion to treatment programs.

House Republicans had argued the bill was too lenient.

Many favored an amendment that would have elevated the punishment to a gross misdemeanor, leading to a possible year in jail and $5000 fine.

Due to other amendments made in the House, the bill now heads back to the state Senate.