SEN. FARLEY REPORTS SENATE PASSES BILLS INCREASING PENALTIES FOR DRUG DEALERS

State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R, C, I - Schenectady) announced that he and his colleagues in the New York State Senate passed legislation toughening the penalties for drug dealers who sell to children or near alcohol and drug treatment facilities. 

A bill (S.988) makes the sale of drugs by an adult to a child under the age of 14 a felony.

Also in another effort to protect the most vulnerable in our communities, the Senate passed legislation that makes it a crime to sell drugs on the grounds of a drug or alcohol treatment center. 

The bill (S.1388) creates "free zones" within 1,000 feet of a treatment center, and includes methadone clinics.

People recently discharged from rehabilitation centers or methadone programs are susceptible to using drugs. Because of this, drug dealers often target these people, sometimes in the immediate vicinity of a treatment center. This bill makes it more difficult for these drug dealers to reach those leaving such facilities.

The bills were sent to the Assembly.