SEN. FARLEY REPORTS SENATE PASSES MEASURES TO PREVENT DRUG USE IN NEW YORK COMMUNITIES

State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R, C, I – Schenectady) reported that he and his colleagues in the New York State Senate passed two drug prevention bills to combat the spread of methamphetamine use in New York and to stop parks and playgrounds from being used by drug dealers.

Bill S1150 would deter the growing use of methamphetamine in New York by strengthening penalties for the sale and possession of meth and make them consistent with penalties for crimes involving heroin and cocaine.

Domestic meth availability is at a five-year high and is likely the result of increasing large-scale production in Mexico and small-scale production in the United States. While meth has been traditionally associated with western and southern regions of the country, its influence, sale, and possession are moving steadily towards the East Coast. By implementing stricter anti-meth laws, the bill would align New York with similar measures in the neighboring states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Massachusetts.

In addition, the Senate passed legislation that aims to keep children safe while at parks and playgrounds. The bill (S994) would increase penalties for people who sell drugs in playgrounds and parks, protecting children and their families from the dangers of drug dealers.

This measure expands upon current New York State law, which penalizes people who sell drugs on school grounds or day-care centers, to include parks and playgrounds that may not be attached to schools. The bill would help law enforcement prosecute drug dealers who use parks and playgrounds in an effort to target children.

The bills will be sent to the Assembly.