Pubdate: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 Source: Sioux City Journal (IA) Copyright: 1999 Sioux City Journal Contact: http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/945 Section: Capitol Correspondent Author: Kate Thompson LAWMAKERS UNVEIL PLAN TO FIGHT DRUGS DES MOINES - House and Senate Republicans released the first part of their proposal to fight drugs in Iowa on Wednesday. If adopted, Republicans say it would make Iowa's drug laws the toughest in the nation. "Dealers know," said Rep. Chuck Larson Jr., R-Cedar Rapids, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee. "We will push them out of Iowa." The proposal includes more than just tougher sentences. "I believe we have a proposal this afternoon that does much more than get tough on meth," said Sen. Andy McKean, R-Anamosa, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. "Too often, our only response to crime is to pass tougher sentencing." He said methamphetamine abuse is a societal problem and while lawmakers are planning to pass tougher sentencing laws, they must also include treatment and prevention as part of the effort. "Our current law is not a bad law," McKean said. "This makes it a much better law." Larson said lawmakers have worked with federal and state prosecutors in developing their proposals, which go beyond methamphetamines and include all drugs. The lawmakers met earlier Wednesday with Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack and said they expect to work out an agreement with him on some of the issues. Other issues, such as treatment proposals, will come later, they said. The proposals drew positive reaction from Woodbury County Attorney Tom Mullin, who qualified his support, noting that he has not seen the final bill. "Society has to take extremely strong measures to conquer the horrible drug problem," he said. The following components will be included in the legislation proposed Wednesday: -Impose a 99-year sentence for manufacturing meth with intent to distribute to a minor or selling meth to a minor. Some reductions for cooperating with law enforcement also would be available as a tool so prosecutors can go after dealers and manufacturers. It's likely someone convicted under this proposal would serve at least 10 years in prison, Larson said. Mullin said there is a clear moral difference between a mature adult who sells drugs to children and a teen-ager who sells meth to his 17-year-old girlfriend at cost. The proposal, which would allow discretion, would let prosecutors go after the person who is preying on children and deal with them harshly. -A first offender convicted of selling meth would be required to successfully complete drug court or stay at a community-based correctional facility. Second offenders would go to prison. -A first offender convicted of making meth would be sent to a drug court or community-based correctional facility. -A first offender convicted of possessing meth would be sent to a six-month sentence in a residential community-based correctional facility. Drug testing would be required. There are too few community-based correctional facilities now and not enough treatment available, said Mullin. Lawmakers say they may add up to 300 beds for such facilities this year. -A first offender convicted of possession of other drugs, including marijuana, would face a minimum two-day jail sentence but the sentence would be suspended after the person successfully completed one year of probation including drug testing. "I think holding a jail sentence over the head of someone convicted of first-time, so-called simple possession might be a good incentive to stay off of drugs," Mullin said. "A lot of people want to do anything possible to avoid spending even two days in jail. The judge has the final say ... if an offender fails, he could be sentenced to a lot more time. It provides a good incentive and people with drug problems need every incentive they can get." -Appeal bonds would not be allowed for drug manufacturing and sales for second offenses or for larger manufacturers and dealers. "We know that someone who is convicted of drug dealing will be out dealing while they are on appeal, poisoning more people in the community," Mullin said. "Those people need to be off the streets."