Legislation that will make it a crime to dispose waste from the illegal production of methamphetamine or to operate a meth lab is one step closer to becoming law, Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna) reported today.

Pickett, who is a co-sponsor of the measure, has been a long-time advocate to prevent the use and production of methamphetamine, a substance 30 times more powerful than crack cocaine.

“For a number of years, the prevalence of meth has crept into rural areas that are not often viewed as the site of illegal drug activity,” Pickett said. “Consequently, our area is attractive to meth production as it may be more difficult to find an illegal meth lab. However, meth labs are here and they are dangerous, not only to drug users and producers but to the community at large. This legislation is very much needed in our communities to give prosecutors more tools in eradicating this crime and protecting our neighbors.”

Under House Bill 485, anyone who intentionally, knowingly or reckless deposits, stores or disposes on any property waste from methamphetamine production commits a third-degree felony. If convicted, the individual faces a maximum sentence of imprisonment for seven years and/or a maximum fine of $15,000.

Pickett noted that the meth production process is quite volatile, and explosions can be deadly. As a result, the odor caused by the waste can be extremely toxic if inhaled or touched.

The legislation does not apply to a licensed pharmaceutical company acting in the normal course of business, or to any federal or state laws that regulate cleanup or disposal of waste products caused by the illegal manufacture of methamphetamines.

In addition, House Bill 485 stipulates that an individual faces a second-degree felony if found to be involved in operating a meth lab. This penalty would apply if there is a chemical reaction involving ephedrine, pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine or other precursor or reagent substance under current state law.

Generally, the offense is a second-degree felony, punishable by a sentence of no more than 10 years and a fine not exceeding $25,000. However, if the methamphetamine laboratory is within 1,000 feet of a school or day care center, or within 250 feet of a recreation center or a playground, the offense is a first-degree felony, punishable by a sentence of up to 20 years and a fine up to $25,000.

Pickett has been involved for several years in the fight against meth. In 2004, she authored Act 143, which makes the theft of anhydrous ammonia – a substance used in the production of meth – a second-degree felony and increases penalties to a maximum $25,000 fine and imprisonment up to 10 years.

“This new legislation goes hand in hand with my law from a few years ago in that when anhydrous ammonia is stored as a liquid under pressure, it becomes a highly toxic gas if released into the environment,” Pickett said. “When stolen, the toxic gas unintentionally can be released, causing injuries to emergency responders, law enforcement officers, the public in general, and even to the criminals themselves. This legislation puts additional penalties in place so that meth production can be criminalized at more stages in this highly dangerous and illegal process.”

House Bill 485 now heads to the Senate for concurrence to amendments made in the House.

Rep. Tina Pickett
110th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
(570) 265-3124
(717) 783-8238

RepPickett.com

Contact:  Jennifer Algoe Keaton, jkeaton@pahousegop.com

House Republican Public Relations

(717) 705-2094

PAHouseGOP.com