Gov. Heineman Signs Tough Anti-Meth Bill into Law

(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman, flanked by legislative leaders, Attorney General Jon Bruning and Nebraska State Patrol Superintendent Col. Tom Nesbitt, signed LB 117 Nebraska’s comprehensive anti-methamphetamine legislation into law.

“This bill is a shining example of the collaboration that makes our state unique,” Gov. Heineman said. “Faced with the growing threat of meth and the problems that addiction fosters, Senator Bourne and his colleagues acted, and they acted decisively. The result is a bill that sends meth dealers the message that Nebraska is no place for you.”

LB 117 calls for all pseudoephedrine-based products except pediatric-liquid forms to be placed behind the counter. It limits the amount a person can buy in any 24-hour period to 1440 milligrams and requires people to be at least 18 years of age to buy or sell the products. The bill also requires a valid ID card at the time of purchase. Those selling more than the legal amount of products containing pseudoephedrine may be subject to civil penalties, and those who buy more than the allowed amount commit an infraction of state law. Common in cold and allergy medication, pseudoephedrine is a key ingredient used to manufacture methamphetamine.

LB 117 also strengthens the criminal penalties for meth manufacturers and dealers, equating its production and sales with that of cocaine. As a result of adding meth to the list of exceptionally hazardous drugs, trafficking less than 10 grams of meth becomes a Class II felony, punishable by 1 to 50 years in prison. Trafficking more than 140 grams becomes a Class IB felony, punishable by 20 years to life. The bill also upgrades the penalties for dealers who use or possess a weapon while manufacturing or selling meth.

Attorney General Bruning, who worked along with the Governor, Col. Nesbitt and senators on the bill, lauded the cooperative effort, saying, “Nebraska has declared war on methamphetamine with LB 117. With this legislation, our state will not be a safe haven for meth activity. I want to thank Governor Heineman and Senator Pat Bourne for their leadership.”

Col. Nesbitt said, “This legislation provides law enforcement a new tool to help combat this dangerous drug. It shows that Nebraska is serious about putting meth labs out of business and that we are serious about putting offenders behind bars.”

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