By Journalist Destiny Murphy (ORU)
The official debut of Senate proceedings began with the debating of an array of bills. From healthcare to drug possession to wildlife, there were various bills that covered pertinent topics and concerns across spectrums.
Among those bills was Bill ORU-004, a bill seeking to re-classify Methamphetamine as a felony as opposed to a misdemeanor in the State of Oklahoma. The bill’s author, Senator Ramsey (ORU) defended her bill by first expressing empathy and compassion toward individuals struggling with drug abuse.
In her opening statement, she affirmed the Senate of the risks and dangers of lowering the stakes of a dangerous drug like Methamphetamine, arguing that it increases crime in communities, can be linked to trafficking and has a negative impact on one’s body. As part of a solution to the bill, Senator Ramsey indicated that the intent of the bill was not to subject drug users to harsh penalizations or repercussions.
Rather, she proposed a combination of compulsory rehabilitation in addition to disciplinary action. The author presented options such as treatment and mental health programs, mandatory fines, jail time and/or prison time with the judge’s discretion. As it relates to jail/prison time, the author noted that this result would also afford drug users the opportunity to have their records expunged in future instances.
When asked by a fellow senator why Methamphetamine was the only dangerous drug that the bill covered, Senator Ramsey reiterated its effects and also alluded to being a first-hand witness to the effects of Methamphetamine, due to a relative’s struggle with it.
During times of caucusing, a motion was made to amend the bill reducing the $5,000 fine amount to a lower dollar value. The author accepted the friendly amendment by a fellow senator. However, the amendment was not successful in the senate and in the long run, the bill was not passed.