Pubdate: Thu, 14 Mar 2002 Source: Quad-City Times (IA) Section: State, Bistate Report, Pg A4 Copyright: 2002 Quad-City Times Contact: http://www.qctimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/857 SECRET COMPARTMENT BAN DEFEATED EASILY Des Moines - Legislation that would make it a crime to have a secret compartment in a vehicle for smuggling drugs was defeated Wednesday in a Senate committee. The Judiciary Committee tossed aside the proposal on a 9-0 vote. Earlier this week, the House voted 90-4 in favor of the measure. The bill would have made it a serious misdemeanor to possess, use or control a false compartment in a vehicle with the intent to store, conceal, smuggle or transport a controlled substance. The crime would have drawn a maximum penalty of a year in jail and a $1,500 fine. Senators said they were not comfortable with the bill, adding that it amounts to a double charge for a single crime. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth