SENATE PASSES METH MEASURE

With minimal opposition, the Iowa Senate on Thursday approved a meth
punishment bill that varies only slightly from one passed earlier by the
House.

The bill -part of a larger plan aimed at tackling Iowa's serious meth
problem -includes a prison sentence of up to 99 years for people who make
and sell meth to children.

The Senate made minor changes, so the bill returns to the House. When the
chambers agree on an identical bill, Gov. Tom Vilsack is expected to sign
it into law.