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House advances bill targeting clandestine drug labs after technical amendments
Summary
House Bill 59, aimed at strengthening state law on clandestine drug laboratories and controlled-substance precursors, was amended on Jan. 30 for technical language and passed in the House by a recorded vote.
House Bill 59, presented Jan. 30 on the House floor, targets clandestine laboratories used in the manufacture of methamphetamine, amphetamines, PCP, LSD and other controlled substances. Representative Jensen described the bill as creating prohibitions on possession or supply of precursors and lab equipment with intent to operate a laboratory and said the measure provides law-enforcement tools to address dangerous home or trailer labs.
Jensen cited recent laboratory busts and safety incidents—some of which involved explosions—and noted testimony received from a fifth-grade student and the drug czar’s visit to testify in support. The sponsor also said the attorney general’s office and Department of Commerce staff were instrumental in drafting the bill.
Technical amendments recommended by the appellate section of the attorney general’s office were moved and accepted on the floor; sponsor Jensen said the changes were non-substantive. The House recorded a final passage vote of 67 affirmative votes, 0 negative votes. The bill was forwarded to the Senate for further consideration.
Supporters emphasized public-safety rationales and law-enforcement benefits; the House adopted clean-up amendments intended to ease judicial review and statutory clarity. The next step is Senate consideration.
The House adjourned after taking these votes.
