The Texas sentencing system recently took a massive 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 outrageously disproportionate number of small-time drug offenders behind bars.

In addition to giving offenders a greater chance at avoiding unduly harsh measures, the law, which goes into effect September 1, will save the state $30 million over the next five years.

“You can save money, save lives, ensure public safety,” State Senator John Whitmore (D-Houston) told the Houston Chronicle.  “It’s a great investment and return on the dollar to keep people from becoming permanent problems for the state of Texas.”

Local officials are now clambering to establish more treatment facilities to handle the estimated 2,500 offenders who will as of September 1 be receiving treatment.

The change in the sentencing system comes as a surprise to many who have watched treatment plans in Texas jails go down the tube as officials are forced to cut costs due to budget deficits.  State legislators recently killed a six-month prison drug treatment program, in addition to reducing the Substance Abuse Felony Punishment Program from nine to six months.