Pubdate: Sat, 06 Mar 2004 Source: Roanoke Times (VA) Copyright: 2004 Roanoke Times Contact: http://www.roanoke.com/roatimes/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/368 Author: Michael Sluss 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 - --- MAP posted-by: Josh