Assemblyman David G. McDonough hailed Governor George Pataki for signing into law legislation to aggressively attack the growing problem of methamphetamine (meth) production and abuse in New York state. McDonough was a co-sponsor of the bill in the assembly.

"New York was the only state in the nation that had no law in place making the manufacturing of meth a felony," said McDonough. "Today's signing by the governor and the hard work of the assembly during this past legislative session addressed that deficiency. Law enforcement and the courts now have the tools in place to aggressively investigate, arrest and prosecute crimes related to this highly addictive drug."

The law establishes a stronger state policy regarding operation of illegal methamphetamine labs by creating three new felony offenses, ranging from Class D to Class B, for unlawful production of methamphetamine. The law also increases the charges and penalties for theft of anhydrous ammonia, the pressurized corn fertilizer used in a popular meth recipe. It boosts penalties against individuals who threaten public safety and the environment by carelessly disposing of dangerous meth ingredients.