HOUSE EASILY PASSES BILL TO RESTRICT METHADONE CLINIC LOCATIONS

The House of Delegates passed legislation Friday that would restrict
locations for methadone clinics, likely ending a debate that has received
significant attention in Southwest Virginia.

The bill (SB 607) would prohibit a methadone clinic from operating within a
half-mile radius of a school or child care center, unless the clinic
operates out of a state-licensed hospital or state-owned facility. The
restriction would not apply in densely populated Northern Virginia.

The legislation would not affect existing clinics or facilities that already
have state licenses and occupancy permits, such as a proposed clinic on
Hershberger Road in Roanoke. But the geographic restrictions would
effectively ban future clinics from most of Roanoke.

Sen. William Wampler, R-Bristol, sponsored the bill after constituents
raised concerns about a planned methadone clinic in Washington County.

Wampler's bill also requires state officials to notify local governments and
community services boards after receiving license applications from clinic
operators. The House last month passed legislation (HB 745) sponsored by
Del. Onzlee Ware, D-Roanoke, that contained similar notification
requirements but no geographic restrictions.

Opponents of Wampler's bill have argued that it discriminates against
addicts who need methadone treatment to stop using other drugs.

The House passed Wampler's bill by a vote of 89-9. The Senate must approve
minor amendments before sending the bill to Gov. Mark Warner.

- - Michael Sluss