(JUNEAU) - After two days of discussions on methamphetamine and anabolic steroid abuse HB 149 passed the Alaska House of Representatives today by a vote of 33 to 0. The bill introduced by Representative Jay Ramras (R-Fairbanks) addresses the growing problem of methamphetamine production by limiting the purchase amount of certain legal ingredients used to make the drug, increasing criminal penalties for manufacturing and distribution, and requiring individuals to sign a log-book and show a photo I.D. when making a purchase.

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive central nervous system stimulant that can be produced using a combination of ingredients available in many drug and grocery stores. One of the primary ingredients, pseudoephedrine can be found in over the counter cold and allergy medicines. Using easily available recipes and other inexpensive chemicals, a meth-lab can produce $1,000 of the drug for as little as $100.

"Because the drug is made from legal ingredients by amateur chemists in very portable labs, law enforcement has a difficult job cracking down on the manufacturing of meth. HB 149 will give them a valuable tool to determine if someone is purchasing larger than normal amounts of the legal chemicals used to make the drug. Police officers will be able to check logbooks in retail establishments that sell those ingredients. Having to show I.D. and sign the book should also act as a deterrent," Representative Ramras said.

HB 149 also addresses the growing concern of anabolic steroid abuse. Many young athletes consider using these performance-enhancing drugs in order to compete. Steroid abuse can cause heart attacks, strokes and liver disease.

HB 149 now moves to the Senate for consideration.

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