House Judiciary Committee Convenes to Discuss Meth

(Fairbanks) - The Alaska State House Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on Wednesday, July 14, to examine the status of methamphetamine manufacture and import in Alaska. House Bill 149 was signed into law in 2006 to combat the scourge of methamphetamine in Alaska. Testimony will be taken from the Departments of Public Safety, Corrections, Health & Social Services, and the Alaska Court System regarding an update in the effect of this law.

... we need to work with the departments tasked to handle the problem to see what more we can do to keep meth off the streets and out of the lives of Alaskans.
~ Rep. Jay Ramras

In 2006, House Judiciary Chairman Jay Ramras, R-Fairbanks, sponsored HB 149, which passed during the 24th Alaska State Legislature. The law strengthened sentencing for meth manufacture, including provisions requiring retailers to maintain log books upon selling substances involved in manufacture of meth, and mandating the Department of Environmental Conservation to maintain a list of properties where drug manufacture took place, for five years after the property has been deemed fit for use.

"This state is in an uphill battle against the scourge of meth use," Ramras said. "It affects Alaskans and their children from all walks of life, whether in the cities or in the villages. HB 149 was a huge step in protecting Alaskans. However, we need to work with the departments tasked to handle the problem to see what more we can do to keep meth off the streets and out of the lives of Alaskans."

The House Judiciary Committee will take testimony on several aspects of meth management in the state, including possession, manufacture, and importation into Alaska; the effects of meth on the prison system of Alaska; the number of defendants standing trial for meth-related offenses; and a report on The Dept. of Health and Social Services' efforts to combat meth addiction in the state.

Who: House Judiciary Committee Meeting

What: Topic: Effects of Methamphetamine Legislation Passed in 2006

When: Wednesday, July 14, 1:00 p.m.

Where: Anchorage Legislative Information Office, Room 220