Pubdate: Thu, 15 Feb 2001
Source: Quad-City Times (IA)
Copyright: 2001 Quad-City Times
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Author: Kathie Obradovich

HOUSE LABELS DRUG MAKING AS CHILD ABUSE

DES MOINES -- Manufacturing drugs in front of children would be considered 
an act of abuse that could trigger the child's removal from the home under 
legislation approved Wednesday in the Iowa House.

The House voted 94-1 to define the manufacture of drugs in a child's 
presence as a situation that would trigger an assessment by the Department 
of Human Services to determine whether the child should be removed from the 
home.

"The process of making meth involves the use of extremely dangerous and 
explosive chemicals," Rep. Dan Boddicker, R-Tipton said.

The bill includes not only the manufacture of methamphetamine but also of 
other illegal drugs and the possession of chemicals used to make them. 
Lawmakers amended the bill to cover drug labs in outbuildings and vehicles 
on a property, as well as situations in which a parent or guardian allows 
someone else to cook drugs but is not personally involved.

Boddicker noted that lawmakers decided several years ago to allow minors 
who manufacture meth to be sentenced to life in prison. "It only makes 
sense that making meth on front of your kids or other kids is included as a 
definition of child abuse," he said.

The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
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