STATE HOUSE, BOSTON, April 25, 2000 - Ballot question activists today claimed reforming the state's drug laws to encourage and finance treatment is a matter of "fairness" and civil liberty, but prosecutors and police argued the proposal would gut their ability to fight crime.

At question: an initiative petition (H 4976) on its way to the November ballot that would change the drug-related forfeiture and sentencing laws. Last fall, supporters collected 110,000 signatures. Lawmakers have until May 3 to act, after which activists must gather another 9,517 signatures to place the question before voters statewide.

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