MuskogeePhoenix.com, Muskogee, OK

Opinion

Discussion

January 18, 2013

Make meth notification mandatory

— Legislators should consider requiring mandatory cleanup of any dwelling where methamphetamine was manufactured before new occupants arrive.

They must, however, enact law that requires the notification of new occupants of the chemical dangers left over from the manufacture of meth.

Legislators are putting innocent civilians in harm’s way if they fail to do anything short of mandatory notification.

The manufacture of meth leaves possible carcinogens in the walls, floors, carpets, and ceilings.

People who sell or rent a home or apartment are legally required to tell potential clients of the dwelling’s history of meth.

This should be true for anyone who wants to stay  at a motel or hotel, too.

If meth was discovered in a room, the next occupants should have the benefit of being warned.

Making cleanup mandatory will put a burden on innkeepers and homeowners.

It will make occupancy nearly impossible if innkeepers must decontaminate a motel room every time someone makes meth there.

That’s why legislators should carefully consider all the ramifications of mandatory cleanup.

But there should be no doubt that notification should be required by law.

Some people will choose to ignore the warning — ask any smoker if they are aware of the surgeon general’s warning on cigarette packs.

But that’s their choice.

They were warned.

They accept responsibility for their actions with the full knowledge of the consequences.

As it stands now, too many people are not being given the information they need to make an informed decision about staying the night in a hotel or motel.

Legislators should make sure they don’t act as irresponsibly as those who make meth.

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