COMMENTARY COLUMNIST INSPIRED DELEGATE'S BILL

Editor, Times-Dispatch: It was a pleasant surprise to read DEA Supervisor
Joe Dombroski's Commentary column, "The Agony of Ecstasy: Youngsters Play
With Fire in Taking Feel-Good Drug."

While Dombroski is kind to publicize my bill attacking the use of drugs for
so-called date rapes (HB 2410 from this past session), it should be noted
that he was the true inspiration behind the bill. It was after hearing one
of Dombroski's many public presentations on the dangers of Ecstasy that he
and I had an opportunity to discuss what could be done to improve our state
laws to help our police and prosecutors attack this problem.

According to Dombroski, no other state has yet addressed the inducement of
sex through unwitting administration of drugs as a form of rape. While HB
2410 enjoyed tremendous support last year, the fiscal impact of placing
criminals behind bars led to the bill being "laid gently on the table" this
year. Between now and next January, I will be building support in the
appropriations process for funding for this new law. I hope that will clear
the way for this breakthrough legislation.

Perhaps with Dombroski's continued help we not only can make this needed
change to Virginia's rape laws, but set an example for other states to follow.

Brad Marrs, Delegate, 68th District.