Governor Malloy's so-called "Second Chance Society" bill to lower the prison population was the subject of a public hearing yesterday by the legislature's Judiciary Committee.  The plan would lower the penalty for simple drug possession from a felony to a misdemeanor and a chance to change their lives for the better rather than to be saddled with a felony conviction. 

Wilton Senator Toni Boucher is concerned that this would be applied to all drugs.

The bill also eliminates mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent drug offenses.  Some lawmakers questioned whether adequate treatment is available for these offenders and whether drug-addicted offenders are truly non-violent.