The Bellingham City Council rejected a proposal to ban public drug use Monday, citing a lack of diversion resources for offenders. The ordinance would have made the use of a controlled substance in a public place a misdemeanor. Misdemeanors are punishable by a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. Bellingham Mayor Seth Fleetwood proposed the new ordinance, saying the state law has "effectively decriminalized open drug use," which has made it "difficult to address drug-related behaviors." Read the full story here: https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/bellingham/bellingham-ordinance-ban-public-drug-use/281-05eedda4-8b08-4238-bc92-aaf7c2a73663