Implement penalties other than incarceration for certain non-violent offenders.
Decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana.
Support the restriction of the sale of products used to make methamphetamine (e.g. tablets containing pseudophedrine, ephedrine and phenylpropanolamine).
Source: Arizona 2006 Congressional National Political Awareness Test
, Nov 1, 2006
Rated B by NORML, indicating a pro-drug-reform stance.
Sinema scores B by the NORML on drug reform
OnTheIssues.org interprets the 2016 NORML scores as follows:
C: mixed record on drug reform (approx. 45 members)
A/B: pro-drug-reform stance (approx. 293 members)
About NORML (from their website, www.norml.org):
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Law`s mission is to move public opinion sufficiently to achieve the repeal of marijuana prohibition so that the responsible use of cannabis by adults is no longer subject to penalty.
NORML is a nonprofit, public-interest lobby that for more than 30 years has provided a voice for those Americans who oppose marijuana prohibition. We represent the interests of the tens of millions of Americans who smoke marijuana responsibly and believe the recreational and medicinal use of marijuana should no longer be a crime.
NORML supports the removal of all criminal penalties for the private possession
& responsible use of marijuana by adults, including the cultivation for personal use, and the casual nonprofit transfers of small amounts. This model is called `decriminalization.`
NORML additionally supports the development of a legally controlled market for marijuana, where consumers could purchase it from a safe, legal and regulated source. This model is referred to as `legalization.`
NORML believes that marijuana smoking is not for kids and should only be used responsibly by adults. As with alcohol consumption, it must never be an excuse for misconduct or other bad behavior. Driving or operating heavy equipment while impaired from marijuana should be prohibited.
NORML strongly supports the right of patients to use marijuana as a medicine when their physician recommends it to relieve pain and suffering.
Lastly, NORML supports the right of farmers to commercially cultivate hemp for industrial purposes, such as food and fiber production.
Immunity for banks offering services to marijuana businesses.
Sinema signed immunity for banks offering services to marijuana businesses
Congressional Summary:This bill provides a safe harbor for depository institutions providing financial services to a marijuana-related legitimate business insofar as it prohibits a federal banking regulator from:
terminating or limiting the deposit or share insurance of a depository institution solely because it provides financial services to a marijuana-related legitimate business; or
prohibiting, penalizing, or otherwise discouraging a depository institution from offering such services.
Immunity from federal criminal prosecution or investigation is granted, subject to certain conditions, to a depository institution that provides financial services to a marijuana-related legitimate business in a state or one of its political subdivisions that allows the cultivation, production, manufacture, sale, transportation, display, dispensing, distribution, or purchase of marijuana.
Argument in Favor:
[Cato Institute, March 31, 2016]: Marijuana is now legal under the laws of [several] states, but not under federal law. And this creates huge headaches for marijuana businesses:
Two years after Colorado fully legalized the sale of marijuana, most banks here still don`t offer services to the businesses involved.
Financial institutions are caught between state law that has legalized marijuana and federal law that bans it. Banks` federal regulators don`t fully recognize such businesses and impose onerous reporting requirements on banks that deal with them.
Without bank accounts, the burgeoning pot sector can`t accept credit or debit cards from customers.
Source: H.R.2076 & S.1726 16-HR2076 on Apr 28, 2015
Sponsored bill for combatting epidemic of synthetic drugs.
Sinema voted YEA Stop the Importation and Trafficking of Synthetic Analogues Act
GovTrack.us Summary: (SITSA): There are more than 400 known types of synthetic--or `artificial`--drugs, which mimic the effects of substances including cocaine and ecstasy. They`ve largely begun to flood the market in recent years. The bill outlaws 13 different synthetic drugs of the most pernicious varieties. There are more than 400 known types of synthetic--or `artificial`--drugs, which mimic the effects of substances including cocaine and ecstasy. They`ve largely begun to flood the market in recent years.
GovTrack Pro/Con: Supporters argue the legislation will tackle a growing scourge in a far more timely and immediate manner than what the lagging DEA is usually able to accomplish. Opponents argue the bill would too greatly expand Attorney General Jeff Sessions` ability to criminalize drugs and impose unnecessarily punitive mandatory sentences, according to a letter signed by dozens of organizations including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Human Rights Watch, and NAACP.Opponent`s argument to vote NO Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY): The bill would explicitly impose mandatory minimum terms of supervised release which undermines the discretion of judges who are in the best position to make such determinations based on the facts and circumstances of each case.
Legislative outcome: House Bill Passed 239-142-46, Roll Number 268 on June 15, 2018
Source: Congressional vote 18-HR2851 on Jun 8, 2017