Senate Passes Legislation Increasing Penalties for Methamphetamine Manufacture

ALBANY, N.Y.—The New York State Senate passed legislation co-sponsored by Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida) that would increase the penalties for manufacturing methamphetamine. The growing use and manufacture of this illegal and highly addictive drug  is particularly pervasive in rural counties in Upstate New York.

“Methamphetamine production is a threat to public health and safety, and its continued use and manufacture is alarming,” Senator Valesky said. “It makes sense to increase penalties for those caught making the drug, to deter production and to send a clear message that we are serious when we say this scourge is unacceptable in New York state.”

The legislation (S.3639) amends the penal law to increase the penalty:

• From a Class B felony to a Class A-1 felony for the unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine in the first degree;
• From a Class C felony to a Class B felony for the unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine in the second degree;
• From a Class D felony to a Class C felony for the unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine in the third degree;
• From a Class E felony to a Class D felony for possession of methamphetamine manufacturing material in the first degree; and
• From a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony for possession of methamphetamine manufacturing material in the second degree.

In addition to co-sponsoring this legislation, Senator Valesky sponsors a bill (S.4652) that makes it more difficult to purchase large quantities of methamphetamine precursor ingredients that can be found in medicines containing ephedrine, pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine available over the counter in retail establishments.