HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 61

46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2004

INTRODUCED BY

Rory J. Ogle

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT STATE AGENCIES ESTABLISH STATEWIDE PROTOCOLS FOR CLOSING DOWN METHAMPHETAMINE LABS.  

     WHEREAS, New Mexico is experiencing a drug and health crisis due to the manufacture of methamphetamine in our state; and

     WHEREAS, methamphetamine manufacture and use have expanded by more than two hundred percent in recent years; and

     WHEREAS, the state of New Mexico has not established statewide protocols for individuals who are the first responders when methamphetamine labs are closed down; and

     WHEREAS, the absence of protocols creates a health and safety hazard for first responders; and

     WHEREAS, in many instances, children live in the methamphetamine labs and are exposed to the toxins used to manufacture methamphetamine; and

     WHEREAS, the absence of protocols means that children's health problems may not be diagnosed when a methamphetamine lab is raided and closed down;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that it request the department of public safety, the department of health and the children, youth and families department to meet and establish statewide protocols for use when a methamphetamine lab is raided and closed down; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the protocols address procedures for diagnosing and safely removing children who have been residing in a methamphetamine lab; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the state agencies seek counsel from the federal drug enforcement agency regarding the development of statewide protocols; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretaries of public safety, health and children, youth and families.

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