Pubdate: Sat, 14 May 2005
Source: Times-Journal, The (Fort Payne, AL)
Copyright: 2005 Times-Journal
Contact:  http://www.times-journal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1883
Author: Mark Harrison
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

BARRON MAKES LAST PUSH

Sen. Lowell Barron said he has been working "diligently" to push bills
designed to curb production and usage of methamphetamine in Alabama.

With only one legislative day remaining, Barron said he is redoubling
efforts to ensure final passage of meth-related bills.

"In past years we have worked with law enforcement officers, district
attorneys and drug enforcement agents to give them the laws necessary
to combat this deadly substance," Barron said. "We continue to work to
protect our communities from this horrible drug, and today we have
some of the toughest legislation to date ready for passage."

Barron's bill (SB108) to require products containing ephedrine or
pseudoephedrine to be placed behind counters and require photo
identification and signature for purchase currently awaits a final
vote in the House.

"As the Legislative Session draws to a close, we have asked that this
bill be given a priority placement on the House calendar on the final
day," Barron said. "I have worked closely with Rep. Frank McDaniel,
D-Albertville, who has guided a companion bill through the House
already. It is very important that one of these bills receives final
passage and is sent to the governor to be signed into law."

Rep. McDaniel's bill is poised for final vote in the Senate; however,
the Senate is expected to focus the final day's activities on passage
of the General Fund budget.

Ephedrine or pseudoephedrine is the key ingredient for manufacturing
methamphetamine. Barron said states that have enacted similar laws to
place pseudoephedrine products behind counters and require buyers to
sign a register and show identification have reported significant
decreases in the number of methamphetamine labs found by law
enforcement authorities.

"This deadly, toxic drug is destroying lives and homes all across our
country," Barron said. "While we have worked to pass this legislation,
the states bordering Alabama have passed similar laws. We must enact
this legislation so that we may work together with the bordering
states to protect our communities by limiting access to this key
ingredient."

Barron said he also hopes to see passage of legislation allowing
judges to require restitution from those who are convicted of
manufacturing meth. The bill (SB115), also awaiting final vote in the
House, will allow judges to charge those convicted of meth production
the costs associated with cleanup of the hazardous chemicals used in
manufacturing the substance. Any funds collected through restitution
will be returned to the Department of Forensic Science.

Sen. Gary Tanner, D-Theodore, has introduced legislation to make it
illegal to possess a single precursor ingredient with the intent to
manufacture methamphetamine. That bill (SB116) also awaits final
passage in the House.

"I encourage everyone to contact your representative and encourage him
or her to pass this legislation before the session ends," Barron said.
"This drug is an epidemic across our state, and its devastation grows
each day. We must do everything we can to stop the production and use
of this horrible substance."
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin