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.
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MAP posted-by: Beth