A Significant Step

A Significant Step

By Governor Dave Heineman

Dear Fellow Nebraskans:

I write to you this week with the hope that our state can come together to take a very necessary step to help prevent a toxic drug from taking hold in our communities. The growing number of meth labs is a serious issue in Nebraska. Data compiled by the Nebraska State Patrol indicates that in 2004 more than 300 labs were dismantled, which represents at least a 20 percent increase in the number of labs over the previous year.

Several bills have been introduced this session that would improve our ability to fight back against this destructive drug. One bill, LB 117, specifically targets meth dealers and manufacturers by restricting the sale of pseudoephedrine and toughening the penalties for those convicted of meth trafficking charges.

Methamphetamine is a particularly dangerous drug due to the fact that it is made from ingredients that are readily available and easily obtained. It is cheap to produce and is perhaps even more addictive than cocaine.

The Legislature's Judiciary Committee reviewed the bill and proposed changes that I believe will strengthen our ability to restrict access to a key ingredient of methamphetamine without inconveniencing consumers. The increased penalties for methamphetamine-related crimes remain, and an amendment dealing with the purchase of cold and allergy medications has been added.

Under the amendment, retailers would be required to store products containing pseudoephedrine, in all its forms - including liquid and gel caps - behind their counters or in a locked case. It would require anyone selling pseudoephedrine to be at least 19 years of age, and anyone purchasing these products to be 18 or older and show proof of identification. No one would be able to purchase more than 1,140 milligrams of pseudoephedrine base in a 24-hour period, and retailers would be prohibited from selling more than that amount to an individual during the same 24 hours.

The goal of LB 117 is to stop meth labs from spreading by limiting access to the key ingredient used in manufacturing meth. Similar efforts have had a positive impact in other states. In Oklahoma, the number of meth labs has declined by at least 50 percent since legislation restricting access to pseudoephedrine went into effect. Iowa and Missouri have already passed stronger laws to limit access to cold and allergy medications. Other neighboring states are reviewing stricter legislation as well.

Some have suggested that the proposed restrictions are unreasonable. I disagree, and from the feedback I've received I believe citizens disagree as well. Adding a few moments to a transaction will not keep consumers from purchasing cold medication. However, there is clear evidence that placing restrictions on pseudoephedrine sales does have an impact on those who make and sell meth.

I strongly believe that legislation is needed to help stop the growth of meth labs in our state. These labs are extremely toxic and pose serious health risks for those involved in the costly clean-up process. The current proposal as a significant step that would not only help prevent methamphetamine cooks from obtaining large quantities of pseudoephedrine, but would help ensure Nebraska avoids becoming a haven for those looking to sell meth.

LB 117 is scheduled for debate in the Legislature soon. My hope is that our state senators will be responsive in the need to address this growing problem and will send LB 117 to my desk so that we can take steps that will help protect our children and our families.

http://gov.nol.org/columns/2005/0411.html