|
|
|
Press Release: Ellison Introduces Methamphetamine Production Prevention Act of 2007 |
| Print |
|
|
Sunday, 01 July 2007 |
|
Washington, D.C.
- Methamphetamine use has risen to epidemic proportions rapidly sweeping
throughout our communities with devastating consequences. It affects thousands of our citizens on a
daily basis by steadily endangering their health and safety. In an effort to combat the use, production
and distribution of Methamphetamines, Congressman Keith Ellison introduced the Methamphetamine Production Prevention Act of
2007.
“Meth use today has the potential to cripple the health of millions of Americans just as crack cocaine did in the late 80’s and early 90’s. This bill’s goal is to prevent a national drug epidemic, and save the lives of millions of Americans and their families,” Congressman Ellison said.
The bill takes a step toward eradicating the domestic production of methamphetamines in America. It does so by promoting the use of electronic logbook systems to monitor sales of methamphetamine precursor drugs and notify law enforcement agencies when individuals are illegally stockpiling those precursors. Precursor drugs are those drugs purchased over the counter at pharmacies for the purpose of manufacturing meth.
“This bill gives our law enforcement officials the technological tools they need to stay abreast of an ever-changing environment,” Congressman Ellison stated.
Ellison’s legislation revises the 2005 Combat Meth Act by allowing retailers to electronically log-in meth precursor purchaser’s names and addresses. The bill would also revise the Combat Meth Act’s purchaser signature requirement in order to make it easier to retain such signatures in electronic logbook systems. Furthermore, the Methamphetamine Production Prevention Act of 2007 will create a federal grant program that would provide funding for states to create or enhance electronic logbook systems.
The bill does not mandate requirements for state logbook systems, but it would give priority to grant applicants whose systems are statewide in scope; are capable of transferring information in real-time; facilitate information sharing across jurisdictions; and are developed in coordination with a working group of federal and state drug and law enforcement agencies. “Our law enforcement officials need all the support we can give them in this fight against the scourge of all illicit drugs – including methamphetamine. This bill gives them a useful tool in that fight,” stated the 5th District Congressman.
Ellison’s bill has been endorsed by the National Alliance of State Drug Enforcement Agencies, the National Narcotics Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, the National Criminal Justice Association, the National Sheriffs’ Association, the Major County Sheriffs’ Association, the National Troopers Coalition, the National District Attorneys Association, the National Association of Counties, and the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America.
###
|
|
