METH LAW IS HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL

Almost every day in the newspaper, on the radio or on television, there is
some news about Oklahoma's methamphetamine laws and their effect on our
state and nation. As the principal author of House Bill 2176, I am
gratified to see the dramatic results this legislation has had in Oklahoma
and the interest from the White House and other states.

Meth has been the largest scourge in illegal drug abuse because of its ease
in manufacturing and highly addictive characteristics. It has been said
that if you can bake a cake, you can make meth. While that may be an
over-simplification, it is true that it is relatively simple to make but
extremely hazardous to manufacture.

HB 2176 changed the equation by making it difficult for manufacturers to
obtain the ingredients needed for meth. Now, most medicines that could be
used in meth production are available only behind the counter and the state
is tracking purchases.

I feel certain that carrying this bill will be the highlight of both my 30
years in law enforcement and my legislative career.

The law's successes include a 70 to 90 percent reduction in the number of
meth labs in some areas of Oklahoma. That change provides much-needed
relief to law enforcement officials who no longer have to toil on daily
meth lab investigations and clean up.

Since the law's passage, there have been fewer deaths from meth abuse,
fewer indigent defense cases, fewer prison inmate incarcerations and
undoubtedly millions of dollars in taxpayer savings.

I'm proud to have been a part of this success.