2005-01-21                     Senate Journal                      Page 0106
An offender who manufactures methamphetamine may possess the                                        
methamphetamine in an organic solution and extract from the solution                                
powdered methamphetamine for distribution.  This extraction may                                     
occur several times from the same solution.  Under current law,                                     
possession of methamphetamine is misconduct involving a controlled                                  
substance in the fourth degree, a class C felony.  This bill would                                  
increase the penalty for possession of methamphetamine in organic                                   
solution with the intent to extract powdered methamphetamine to the                                 
same level as that for possession of a precursor with the intent to                                 
manufacture methamphetamine, a class A felony.  The extraction from                                 
methamphetamine in solution of the powdered form that it is                                         
commonly ingested is as dangerous as possession of a precursor to                                   
methamphetamine with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine.                                     
It should have the same penalty.                                                                    
                                                                                                    
Increasing the consequences for dangerous behavior with controlled                                  
substances will provide a potent tool to discourage the sale and abuse                              
of dangerous drugs such as methamphetamine.                                                         
                                                                                                    
I urge your prompt and favorable consideration of this proposal.                                    
                                                                                                    
Sincerely yours,                                                                                    
/s/                                                                                                 
Frank H. Murkowski                                                                                  
Governor                                                                                            
                                                                                                    
SB 71                                                                                             
SENATE BILL NO. 71 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                    
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                               
                                                                                                    
          "An Act relating to the compensation of certain                                           
          public officials, officers, and employees not covered                                     
          by collective bargaining agreements; and providing                                        
          for an effective date."                                                                   
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee.                                      
                                                                                                    
The following fiscal information was published today:                                               
 Fiscal Note No. 1, Office of the Governor