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Gordner's 'meth' bill reaches Rendell Senator cites recent Pine Grove explosion
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share thisHARRISBURG - The Senate Monday gave final approval to legislation sponsored by Sen. John R. Gordner, R-27, to toughen penalties for those possessing ingredients to manufacture methamphetamine and operating a methamphetamine laboratory.
Senate Bill 125 also provides that those convicted of operating meth labs are also responsible for environmental clean-up costs associated with the labs.
Gordner introduced the legislation with the support of Pennsylvania Attorney General Thomas Corbett and local law enforcement. The Senate concurred with amendments to the bill that were approved by the House of Representatives.
"Just three weeks ago in nearby Schuylkill County, an illegal meth lab caused an explosion and fire that gutted a series of row homes and left 10 people homeless," Gordner said in a statement issued Monday. "These labs are a continuing problem that must be addressed."
The legislation amends the Controlled Substances Act to provide for the specific offenses of possessing ingredients to manufacture methamphetamine and operating a methamphetamine laboratory. It also increases penalties if the lab is operated near a school, day care center or playground. The bill further provides for defendants to be assessed the environmental clean-up costs associated with methamphetamine laboratories.
"Meth labs are environmental disasters just waiting to happen because ingredients in meth production can cause explosions, chemical fires and toxic releases," said Gordner. "It also makes good sense to increase penalties for the operation of labs and to provide for additional penalties if these labs are operated near where children may be learning and playing."
Senate Bill 125 now moves to Gov. Ed Rendell for his signature for the bill to be signed into law.
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