Published: June 27, 2007 02:43 pm            

New law to help protect kids from meth

San Marcos — Police and social workers say a new state law allowing additional penalties for adults whose actions expose children to methamphetamine is an important new tool in the fight against the deadly drug.

House Bill 946 goes into effect Sept. 1 and says that parents, guardians and other individuals found guilty of possession of meth can be charged with child endangerment.

The state jail felony is punishable by a jail term of from 180 days to two years and an optional fine of up to $10,000.

The new legislation builds on existing law which allows child endangerment charges for individuals convicted of manufacturing meth.

"It's very common, not anything unusual to find children there," when making arrests for meth possession, said Det. Laray Taylor of the Hays County Narcotics Task Force.

Moreover, the risky behaviors of meth users make it even more likely that little fingers can get into things they shouldn't, Taylor said. "When you have people that have meth, small kids do have easy access," he said. "Crawling or walking children have access to drawers and cabinets and they can find things."

Sue Cohen, executive director of the Hays Caldwell Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, said she was happy to learn Gov. Rick Perry had signed the bill.

Cohen said some children become "unwillingly addicted" through either accidental ingestion or environmental exposure.

"When meth is smoked in the home the drug can enter the child's system, through inhalation and exposure to carpet and clothing containing the drug's residue.

"I think it's a great tool, I really do," Taylor said.

        

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