Pubdate: Sun, 19 Feb 2006
Source: Daily Home, The (Talladega,  AL)
Copyright: 2006 Consolidated Publishing
Contact:  http://www.dailyhome.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1632
Note:  also listed as contact
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

BILL WOULD HELP PROTECT CHILDREN

Sometimes, waiting to get a bill passed makes a better bill. Such is 
the case with a measure that seeks to protect children who are 
present in a drug house. After a filibuster delayed and then killed 
debate and passage of the Endangered Children Protection bill in the 
2005 session of the Alabama Legislature, proponents resurrected a 
stronger version in 2006.

Pushed as part of state Attorney General Troy King's crime package, 
the bill would make it a felony to have children present in a house 
where illegal drugs are found.

The 2005 version would have made it a felony only if children were in 
a house in which crystal methamphetamine was being manufactured.

It simply didn't go far enough, and King rightly asks this year, "Are 
children in a crack house any less in danger than children in a meth 
house?" The bill answers that question, making it a Class C felony 
for a child to be present in a drug house, a Class B if the child is 
injured and a Class A if the child is killed.

Talladega County District Attorney Steve Giddens and St. Clair 
District Attorney Richard Minor are on board with the proposed 
legislation, pointing out that it gives them another tool with which 
to fight crime here at home.

But more important, they say, it helps them better protect children.

And it provides an appropriate punishment for those who would subject 
innocent children to such environments.

The bill has already passed the House of Representatives and is now 
headed to the Senate.

We encourage its passage there as well. Whenever there is an 
opportunity to protect children, it ought to top the legislative agenda.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman