ESTES' BILLS AIMED AT FIGHTING METH

AUSTIN -- State Senator Craig Estes, R-Wichita Falls, has filed a package
of bills for the 79th Texas Legislature aimed at limiting the essential
ingredients for producing methamphetamine and providing stiffer penalties
for those who manufacture, deliver or possess it.

"The methamphetamine drug culture is, without question, the most pressing
crime problem facing our state, and it's time for the Texas Legislature to
pass some tough, new laws to fight this serious war," Estes said in a press
release.

Senate Bill 107 proposes to prohibit over-the-counter sales of single
entity forms of the drug's key ingredient, pseudoephedrine tablets, which
are ground into powder in the manufacturing process. The bill would still
allow for liquid, gel capsule and liquid capsule forms in which it is not
the only active ingredient.

The law would not apply to a product dispensed or delivered by a pharmacist.

Senate Bill 108 filed by Estes would enhance the penalties for manufacture
or delivery of methamphetamine to third-degree felonies punishable by
prison sentences. Current law punishes the manufacture, delivery or
possession with intent to deliver less than one gram of methamphetamine
with a mandatory state jail felony, which, in most cases, translates into
automatic probation.

Senate Bill 109 proposes enhancing penalties for the manufacture of
methamphetamine by one full degree if there is a child younger than 18
years present on the premises.

Senate Bill 110 would punish anyone associated with the manufacture or
distribution of illegal drugs including methamphetamine, not just the "meth
cooks."

"It is critical that the Texas Legislature do all we can to eradicate this
terrible drug that destroys lives, ruins families and ravages communities,"
he said. "This is a package of tough, new laws that address this issue with
the seriousness it deserves."