"An Act relating to controlled substances; relating to the crimes of manslaughter, endangering the welfare of a child, and misconduct involving a controlled substance; relating to the manufacture of methamphetamine and to the sale, possession, and delivery of certain substances and precursors used in the manufacture of methamphetamine; relating to listing certain anabolic steroids as controlled substances; and providing for an effective date. "

House Bill 149 is being introduced because quantities of ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, and iodine and iodine crystals, continue to be sold at the wholesale and retail levels far in excess of legitimate consumer needs. Most excess quantities being sold are used in the criminal manufacture of methamphetamine. It is necessary for the legislature of Alaska to regulate the possession and sale of these chemicals; therefore reducing the threat of the use and manufacture of methamphetamine presents to the citizens of this state.

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive central nervous system stimulant, and it is easily produced in home laboratories using inexpensive, over-the-counter drugs and chemicals. These factors combine to make methamphetamine a drug with a high potential for widespread abuse. Law officials in Alaska are dealing with a drug problem unlike any other because the substance is so addictive and cheap and easy to manufacture. Methamphetamine is made in clandestine laboratories across the state; a $100 in chemicals, purchased in local stores, can quickly and easily be turned into $1,000 of methamphetamine.

The provisions of HB 149 will have a major impact on the ability of criminals to obtain certain chemicals used for manufacturing methamphetamine. HB 149 will also make it a crime to possess or deliver substances in quantities that are used to manufacture methamphetamine. This bill will require a person acquiring drugs containing ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine, as well as those purchasing iodine or iodine crystals, to show photo ID and sign a written log or receipt relating to the sale.

This bill would also restrict the amount of pseudoephedrine base product a person can acquire to six grams within a 30-day period. The bill will further serve to present prima facia evidence that a person intends to use the pseudoephedrine base product to manufacture methamphetamine if the person is in possession of more than six grams of product.

A business that sells products containing the chemicals listed in this bill will have to keep these products behind a counter, and maintain detailed records of their sales for three-years. Upon request, these records will be readily available to law enforcement. Any business in violation of this law will be punishable upon conviction of each offense by a fine not to exceed $10,000.

Bill Version: 24-LS0569A

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