State Senate Passes Tougher Drug Penalties

The New York State Senate passed legislation toughening the penalties for drug dealers who sell to children or near alcohol and drug treatment facilities. One bill makes the sale of drugs by an adult to a child under the age of 14 a felony.

Also, in another effort to protect the most vulnerable in state communities, the senate passed legislation that makes it a crime to sell drugs on the grounds of a drug or alcohol treatment center. It creates “drug free zones” within 1,000 feet of a treatment center, and includes methadone clinics.

People recently discharged from rehabilitation centers or methadone programs are susceptible to using drugs.

Because of this, drug dealers often target these people, sometimes in the immediate vicinity of a treatment center. This bill makes it more difficult for these drug dealers to reach those leaving such facilities.

The bills will go to the Assembly.