In the past two weeks a flurry of ballot measures have been proposed to address the diversion of drug money from schools, and Quick said hearings would sort through the facts and help lawmakers think out their remedies. Everyone wants to get involved. Being aggressive can be good. But aggressive is not always the answer. Earlier this month The Kansas City Star reported that police were diverting millions of dollars that under state law should have been turned over to schools.
State law prohibits police from making such direct transfers to a federal agency.
Maybe we need legislation. Maybe we need policy direction, but we need something. Since the stories were published, legislators have introduced several ballot measures that would amend the constitution with the approval of voters. Other legislators are drafting bills that wouldn't require a constitutional amendment, but would strengthen requirements for reporting of seized money. Attorney General Jay Nixon has coordinated a ballot measure of his own and said he is considering other legislation to stop the flow of forfeitures to federal agencies.