Texas Governor Signs Bill to Move Drug Offenders To Treatment Rather ThanJail

July 21, 2003 Texas Governor Signs Bill to Move Drug Offenders To Treatment Rather Than Jail Effective July 1, 2003, the Texas sentencing system took a step towards humane drug policy as Governor Rick Perry signed into law a bill that would redirect thousands of low-level drug offenders into treatment instead of jail.  The bill comes on the heels of a storm of criticism as state lawmakers question the disproportionate number of small-time drug offenders behind bars. In addition to giving offenders a greater chance at avoiding harsh measures, the law, which goes into effect September 1, 2003 . . .