Bill to Crack Down on Meth Labs

A Pennsylvania House Committee has approved a Senate-passed bill to crack down on methamphetamine production in the state. The House Judiciary Committee okayed SB 125 which would strengthen the state's controlled substance law by adding a provision to make the possession of ephedrine, pseudophedrine and other substances, with the intent to produce meth, a crime.
Committee member Representative James Casorio of Westmoreland County says this will make it much more difficult for criminals to obtain the ingredients needed to produce the drug. "This is an important step in turning the tide on ridding many of our neighborhoods and protecting nearby residents from the dangers of illegal meth labs."

State Senator John Gordner says his bill would bake it a second degree felony if someone is caught operating a meth lab, and a first degree felony if the lab is within 1,000 feet of a day-care center, school, playground or university. Gordner says it's very expensive to clean up after a meth lab explosion so his measure orders the lab operators to pay restitution to anyone harmed in the production at the meth lab.