SEN. FARLEY REPORTS SENATE PASSES BILLS TO PREVENT DRUG DEALERS FROM PREYING ON CHILDREN

State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R, C, I – Schenectady) announced that he and his colleagues in the New York State Senate passed two bills to help keep illegal drugs out of the hands of children and teens. The bills would help tackle the rise in drug abuse among youth by increasing penalties for the sale of drugs to anyone under 14 years of age and for the sale of illegal drugs in parks or at playgrounds.

There has been a recent increase in drug use - especially opiate-based substances - by young adults and teenagers, and with it, an increase in overdoses. Many of these youngsters start experimenting in their teenage years with addicting prescription drugs provided by drug dealers who prey upon young people.

Bill S208 creates the crime of criminal sale of a controlled substance to a child in the first degree, making the sale of a controlled substance by an adult to a minor under the age of 14 a Class A-II felony.

Bill S994 would increase the penalties for the sale of controlled substances if it occurs on park grounds or playgrounds. Current laws penalize persons who sell controlled  substances  on  the grounds  of  day care centers and educational facilities, but not park grounds or playgrounds.

 The bills will be sent to the Assembly.