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February 28, 2010

Bill would reveal if property had meth history

SEN. SEAN BURRAGE Senate Review

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma has led the nation when it comes to innovative legislation to address the devastating problems caused by methamphetamine.

Just a few years ago, it seemed every time you picked up a newspaper, there was an article about a raid on a meth lab. From 1994 to 2003 there was a frightening increase in the number of meth labs in our state. 

During that time, we went from having about 10 to 1,250 meth labs in Oklahoma. Law enforcement officers were seizing about 120 meth labs a month. 

That changed dramatically after 2004, when Oklahoma passed the Trooper Nik Greene Act. This is the law that restricted the purchases of certain decongestant medicines containing pseudoephedrine, one of the main ingredients used to make meth.

By 2007, we were seeing an average of less than three active labs a month.  Now, however, there is an even easier, quicker way to create meth—as a result, we’re seeing more of these “shake and bake” meth labs throughout the state.

There are serious safety concerns surrounding those homes, apartments and hotel rooms that have been used as locations for meth labs.  The fact is, when meth is “cooked,” it releases toxic fumes and vapors, as well as further contamination that can occur if any of the chemicals are spilled during the process.  All of these things are absorbed into walls, counters, ceilings and floors.   Exposure to these substances can cause respiratory problems, irritation of the skin and eyes, headaches, dizziness and nausea.  Chronic exposure can cause cancer, damage to vital organs, and birth defects. 

At the urging of Claremore Police Chief Mickey Perry, I wrote and introduced Senate Bill 1775 this session. 

While current law requires someone selling a property to disclose whether a meth lab had ever been there, there is no such protection for renters. 

Under this legislation, a person or company renting an apartment, house, hotel, duplex or other residence would have to inform the prospective renter if there had been a meth lab in that residence within the past five years. 

From my perspective, this bill addresses important issues in both public safety and public health.  I doubt few people would want to bring their families to live in a place that may have been literally drenched in toxic chemicals, but under current law, there’s nothing to protect them from unknowingly renting such a residence. 

SB 1775 has been approved by the full Senate, and I’m hopeful the House will soon join us in bringing this bill one step closer to becoming law.

Thanks again for reading my “Senate Review.”

If you have any questions on a legislative matter, please do not hesitate to contact my Senate office at the Capitol by calling (405) 521-5555 or writing me with your concerns at:  Senator Sean Burrage, 2300 North Lincoln Blvd. Rm. 529-B State Capitol Building, Oklahoma City, OK 73105. 

I always enjoy hearing from my constituents and consider it an honor to be your voice in the Oklahoma State Senate.  May God bless each of you.

 n Sean Burrage is state senator for District 2 which represents Rogers and Mayes counties.

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