Skip to content
Independent and accessible public media is needed more than ever.
Help us continue keeping communities informed and inspired.
Keep public media independent and accessible
Donate Now

View thank you gift options

CapRadio

CapRadio

signal status listen live donate
listen live donate signal status
listen live donate signal status
  • News
    • topics
    • State Government
    • Environment
    • Health Care
    • Race and Equity
    • Business
    • Arts and Lifestyle
    • Food and Sustainability
    • PolitiFact California
  • Music
    • genres
    • Classical
    • Jazz
    • Eclectic
    • Daily Playlist
  • Programs + Podcasts
    • news
    • Morning Edition
    • All Things Considered
    • Marketplace
    • Insight With Vicki Gonzalez
    • music
    • Acid Jazz
    • At the Opera
    • Classical Music
    • Connections
    • Excellence in Jazz
    • Hey, Listen!
    • K-ZAP on CapRadio
    • Mick Martin's Blues Party
    • Programs A-Z
    • Podcast Directory
  • Schedules
    • News
    • Music
    • ClassicalStream
    • JazzStream
    • Weekly Schedule
    • Daily Playlist
  • Community
    • Events Calendar
    • CapRadio Garden
    • CapRadio Reads
    • Ticket Giveaways
  • Support
    • Evergreen Gift
    • One-Time Gift
    • Corporate Support
    • Vehicle Donation
    • Stock Gift
    • Legacy Gift
    • Endowment Gift
    • Benefits
    • Member FAQ
    • e‑Newsletter
    • Drawing Winners
    • Thank You Gifts
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Close Menu
 We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter 
 We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter 
  • State Government
  •  

Assembly Backs Bill To Equalize Penalties For Crack, Powder Cocaine

  •  Ben Adler 
Thursday, August 14, 2014 | Sacramento, CA
Listen
/
Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio
 

Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio

The sentence for selling crack cocaine in California is tougher than the sentence for selling powder cocaine – even though the drug is the same. On Thursday, the state Assembly approved a bill that would reduce the penalty for crack to the same length as powder.

It wasn’t a surprise to see Democrats support the bill. They argued that poor minorities who disproportionately use crack cocaine get longer sentences than rich whites who use the powder. But some Republicans voted for the measure as well.

Asm. Donald Wagner (R-Irvine) said the law that originally toughened crack sentences was well-intended, but “What we have found, I’m afraid, though, over the ensuing 20 years is a disparity that is hard to justify and perhaps harder, still, to sustain.” 

Other Republicans strongly opposed the bill. “We’re talking about reducing penalties on a form of cocaine. Let’s be very clear, members – we’re not talking about minority communities here; we’re talking about people that are addicted to drugs,” said Asm. Travis Allen (R-Huntington Beach).

The bill by Sen. Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles) faces a final vote in the Senate before it can move to the governor’s desk.


Follow us for more stories like this

CapRadio provides a trusted source of news because of you.  As a nonprofit organization, donations from people like you sustain the journalism that allows us to discover stories that are important to our audience. If you believe in what we do and support our mission, please donate today.

Donate Today  

Ben Adler

Director of Programming and Audience Development

Director of Programming and Audience Development Ben Adler first became a public radio listener in the car on his way to preschool — though not necessarily by choice.  Read Full Bio 

Sign up for ReCap and never miss the top stories

Delivered to your inbox every Friday.

 

Check out a sample ReCap newsletter.

Thanks for subscribing!

Thank you for signing up for the ReCap newsletter! We'll send you an email each Friday with the top stories from CapRadio.

Browse all newsletters

More State Government Stories

Kris Hooks / CapRadio

Hundreds gather in Sacramento to protest Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade

June 24, 2022

Andrew Nixon / CapRadio

California tax relief: What’s in the deal

June 26, 2022

AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu

How California created the nation’s easiest abortion access — and why it’s poised to go further

June 24, 2022

Most Viewed

Abortion is still legal in California. Here are answers to questions about access in the state.

Northern California wildfires: Where to find updates on air quality, evacuations, and official information

Composting starts soon in Sacramento County. Here’s what you need to know.

California coronavirus updates: FDA advisors recommend new formulation for COVID-19 booster shots

California tax relief: What’s in the deal

We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter

Most Viewed

Abortion is still legal in California. Here are answers to questions about access in the state.

Northern California wildfires: Where to find updates on air quality, evacuations, and official information

Composting starts soon in Sacramento County. Here’s what you need to know.

California coronavirus updates: FDA advisors recommend new formulation for COVID-19 booster shots

California tax relief: What’s in the deal

Back to Top

  • CapRadio

    7055 Folsom Boulevard
    Sacramento, CA 95826-2625

    • (916) 278-8900
    • Toll-free (877) 480-5900
    • Email Us
    • Submit a News Tip
  • Contact Us

  • About Us

    • Contact Us / Feedback
    • Coverage
    • Directions
    • Careers & Internships
    • Mission / Vision / Core Values
    • Press
    • Staff Directory
    • Board of Directors
  • Listening Options

    • Mobile App
    • On Air Schedules
    • Smart Speakers
    • Playlist
    • Podcasts
    • RSS
  • Connect With Us

    •  Facebook
    •  Twitter
    •  Instagram
    •  YouTube
  • Donate

  • Listen

  • Newsletters

CapRadio stations are licensed to California State University, Sacramento. © 2022, Capital Public Radio. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Website Feedback FCC Public Files: KXJZ KKTO KUOP KQNC KXPR KXSR KXJS. For assistance accessing our public files, please call 916-278-8900 or email us.