LAW WON'T HELP PUBLIC

There is no doubt that methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug
that has serious health effects for the user and the community.

This year's proposal to combat meth is SB 14, a bill requiring
persons convicted of manufacturing meth (as well as growing
marijuana) to register on the KBI's offender Web site. It's oddly
similar to pending legislation in 14 other states.

This bill is a feel-good initiative for legislators and a poor use of
taxpayer dollars. It will do nothing to educate the public about the
dangers of meth, and it won't deter anyone from trying it.

According to the state budget office, the cost to Shawnee County
would be $50,000 in the first year alone. Given that the drug court
is struggling to find $60,000, adding personnel to track people after
they complete their sentences seems extravagant. There is no evidence
to suggest that someone convicted of manufacturing a controlled
substance is a public nuisance after he serves out his time. This is
legislation in search of a problem. If the Legislature were truly
interested in making our communities safer through offender
registration, wouldn't it make more sense to register persons
convicted of robbery or arson?

This bill should be rejected by fiscally responsible Kansans.
Counties would be better off spending money on re-entry programs so
people can be successful when they leave prison than for deputies to
publish addresses on a Web site.

Laura A. Green, executive director

Drug Policy Forum of Kansas

Lawrence