METH LAB CLEANUP BILL ADVANCES TO THE SENATE

A methamphetamine lab cleanup bill -- a two-time loser in past
sessions -- passed the House on Monday and headed to the Senate
despite some fears that the measure puts undue pressure on
private-property owners.

Republican Rep. Lamont Tyler's House Bill 6 establishes standards for
hazardous chemical cleanup and licensing for decontamination
workers.It also includes provisions for the Utah Department of Health
to supervise the process and certify whether a property is
successfully decontaminated.

A number of Republicans voted in favor of the bill Monday after an
amendment was passed inserting language that the Health Department
"balance the interests of the public and private property owners."

For some, though, the amendment fell short of protecting against
government intrusion.

"This bill gives far-reaching powers that would take away the rights
of the property owner," said Rep. Gerry Adair, R-Roy, who
acknowledged a conflict because he owns property he has been unable
to use due to requirements that hazardous material be removed.

Establishing strict cleanup standards is akin to making a property
owner whose home was damaged by a methamphetamine lab "a victim
again," said Rep. Chad Bennion, R-Murray.

Rep. Gary Cox and fellow Democrats supported the bill, lauding
protections for renters and new owners who don't always know they are
moving into a place where a meth lab once operated.

"With right of ownership, comes some responsibility," Cox said. The
measure passed 49-26.