HOUSE COMMITTEE RAISES METH PENALTIES

NASHVILLE - People convicted of making or dealing methamphetamine would
face penalties equal to those who manufacture cocaine or crack under
legislation approved Wednesday by a House committee.

The bill that passed in the House Judiciary Committee is part of Gov. Phil
Bredesen's plan to use $4.3 million in recurring funds to fund prosecution
of meth crimes. The legislation was sent for consideration by the House
Finance Committee.

Currently those convicted of making or selling half a gram of meth are
charged with a Class C felony, which carries a penalty of three to 15 years
in jail and a fine. This bill, sponsored by Rep. Les Winningham, would make
the crime a Class B felony with a jail sentence of eight to 30 years - a
punishment equal to that given for making or dealing cocaine or crack.

Bredesen proposed allocating state money for the increased penalty earlier
this week when he announced what he wants to do with next year's excess tax
revenues, which could total more than $100 million.

The governor already has formed a 20-member task force to look at ways to
deal with Tennessee's meth problem. Bredesen has said the illegal stimulant
- - made with nonprescription cold medicine and common household chemicals -
is wreaking havoc in rural areas and is a scourge on the state.

But any changes recommended by the task force won't come until at least
Sept. 1, when the group is required to report back to the governor.