BRIEFLY IN THE LEGISLATURE

Rep. Chuck Larson, R-Cedar Rapids, introduced legislation Tuesday to impose
a life prison sentence on adults convicted of dealing methamphetamine to
children.

Larson said the life imprisonment plan, believed to be the toughest in the
nation, would crack down on dealing the highly addictive drug to minors.

Gov. Tom Vilsack agrees, and today is scheduled to present more details of
his crime package to lawmakers.

Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller has expressed reservations about the
proposal, saying it may be more of a quick solution that might not be
applied evenly to all drug dealers.

Larson said additional proposals concerning methamphetamine, including
treatment and education components, will be introduced in the coming weeks.