This week the House will take-up a bill that reauthorizes the Patriot Act. This bill includes a number of provisions aimed at stopping the spread of methamphetamine in our communities. Today’s edition of the Washington Times includes a story on the provisions in the bill that originated in the “Combat Meth Act,” including new restrictions on the sales of the materials that are necessary to cook the drug. This is an important and necessary step to take if we want to reduce the amount of this dangerous drug on our streets.

The Patriot Act reauthorization also includes the language from Rep. Boozman’ legislation to improve and promote drug courts by creating stricter testing measures. Drug courts provide an alternative to incarceration for persons convicted of drug related charges as well as for persons whose substance abuse was a factor in the commission of a crime (e.g. crime was committed while under the influence or to maintain drug use). Participants are required to successfully complete treatment for their addiction and must comply with various requirements or expectations including: passing random drug tests, maintaining gainful employment and participating in 12-Step or other self help groups. Drug Courts have been successful in Arkansas and other parts of the country and this bill will help give some teeth to the program.

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