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State Representative Patti Fritz
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-8237
For more information contact: Sandy Connolly 651-296-8877
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Rep. Fritz votes to strengthen meth laws Over- the-counter drugs Actifed and Sudafed would be banned
In a strong show of bipartisan support, the House overwhelmingly passed legislation yesterday that cracks down on methamphetamine (meth) users and works to curtail meth production.
Representative Patti Fritz (DFL-Faribault) voted for the bill, and believes that this is a beginning in addressing an escalating problem, especially in Rural Minnesota.
"This is the first step in dealing with a devastating problem," said Fritz. "It's especially bad in Rural Minnesota, where most of the meth is made."
An amendment to the bill that bans the sale of over-the-counter drugs such as Actifed and Sudafed passed after long deliberation on the floor. These nasal decongestants, which contain pseudoephedrine, are a key ingredient in the manufacturing of meth.
The bill also strengthens the penalties that are already in place and introduces new clean-up requirements and tough penalties associated with meth-related crimes involving children and vulnerable adults.
"The bill is by no means perfect, however," said Fritz. "The cost to the state is going to be extremely high – it's estimated that there may have to be as many as seven new prisons built to accommodate those convicted of manufacturing and dealing meth.
"We may also see county taxes go up because of the mandated incarcerations and increased work for public defenders and law enforcement."
Fritz would also like to see more protection for property owners and funding for education and treatment.
"There are landowners who unknowingly have people cooking meth on their rental property, sometimes even in cabins," said Fritz. "While this bill holds people convicted of manufacturing meth responsible for restitution for cleanup costs, ultimately, the landowner is still responsible."
"We also need to do something to educate people about the dangers of meth and help those who fall victim to its powers," said Fritz.
"This extremely addictive drug creates new addicts every day," said Fritz. "We have to do more than just lock them up."
News Items
- STATE REP. PATTI FRITZ PARTICIPATES IN START OF LEGISLATIVE SESSION - (Posted: Jan 9 2013 3:32PM)
- Rep. Fritz: Homeowners, Farmers Need Property Tax Relief - (Posted: 2012-05-01 00:00:00)
- Rep. Fritz: Let’s Vote on a Bonding Bill that Benefits All - (Posted: 2012-04-19 00:00:00)
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