BillieJo
06-19-2005, 03:39 PM
Bill snuffs out ‘huffing’ in state
Assembly bans chemical sniffing for intoxication
The Associated Press
MADISON — Getting high off glue, magic markers or other household products would be illegal under a GOP-authored bill the state Assembly passed Thursday.
The bill says anyone who possesses hazardous substances with the intent of getting intoxicated, also known as “huffing,” would be guilty of a misdemeanor. Anyone dealing such substances would be guilty of a felony.
The measure defines hazardous substances as anything that is toxic, an irritant or flammable that can cause injury or illness. The definition includes an array of household products, including some toys, food, drugs, cosmetics, glue, markers, butane and aerosol propellants.
A person must sniff the substance with the intent to get stoned to break the law, Nowlan said. Someone who catches a whiff of a permanent marker wouldn’t be a criminal.
The Assembly passed the measure on a voice vote with no debate and sent it to the state Senate. That body must pass it and Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle must sign it before it can become law.
Doyle spokeswoman Melanie Fonder said the governor supports the measure.
State Rep. Garey Bies, R-Sister Bay, wrote the bill in honor of 24-year-old Aaron Wake, who died in 2001 after sniffing a can of butane in his apartment. Bies knew Wake’s family, Bies research assistant Andrew Nowlan said.
The bill is meant more to raise awareness that sniffing intoxicants can be deadly, than to generate tickets, Nowlan said.
“The problem law enforcement has run into is they can’t educate the kids this is dangerous. The kids retort it’s not illegal, what’s the big deal? It gives them (police) a little bit of a backbone.”
Bies modeled the measure after a Door County ordinance passed last year that allows sheriff’s deputies to cite people who use toxic inhalants.
Door County Sheriff Terry Vogel said kids don’t think inhalants can hurt them. He didn’t have any data on how many citations his department has issued under the ordinance, but he doubted there have been many.
http://nbc15.madison.com/news/headlines/1641966.html
I wonder if this money spent to support this measure would be better spentif they let these 'kids' know it's a dangerous rush thru education? how far can they push this law? if you are on paper and have butane, but no refillable lighter- what may happen?
I find this absolute rubbish and yet another potential hazrd to our families in the face of addiction.
and just so you know, my ex DIED of this in March of 1991. we were in high school and it wasn't as commonplace as one may try and lead you to believe. and from what I remember, not all teens are as ignorant as what the government wants you to believe, to support this measure.
Assembly bans chemical sniffing for intoxication
The Associated Press
MADISON — Getting high off glue, magic markers or other household products would be illegal under a GOP-authored bill the state Assembly passed Thursday.
The bill says anyone who possesses hazardous substances with the intent of getting intoxicated, also known as “huffing,” would be guilty of a misdemeanor. Anyone dealing such substances would be guilty of a felony.
The measure defines hazardous substances as anything that is toxic, an irritant or flammable that can cause injury or illness. The definition includes an array of household products, including some toys, food, drugs, cosmetics, glue, markers, butane and aerosol propellants.
A person must sniff the substance with the intent to get stoned to break the law, Nowlan said. Someone who catches a whiff of a permanent marker wouldn’t be a criminal.
The Assembly passed the measure on a voice vote with no debate and sent it to the state Senate. That body must pass it and Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle must sign it before it can become law.
Doyle spokeswoman Melanie Fonder said the governor supports the measure.
State Rep. Garey Bies, R-Sister Bay, wrote the bill in honor of 24-year-old Aaron Wake, who died in 2001 after sniffing a can of butane in his apartment. Bies knew Wake’s family, Bies research assistant Andrew Nowlan said.
The bill is meant more to raise awareness that sniffing intoxicants can be deadly, than to generate tickets, Nowlan said.
“The problem law enforcement has run into is they can’t educate the kids this is dangerous. The kids retort it’s not illegal, what’s the big deal? It gives them (police) a little bit of a backbone.”
Bies modeled the measure after a Door County ordinance passed last year that allows sheriff’s deputies to cite people who use toxic inhalants.
Door County Sheriff Terry Vogel said kids don’t think inhalants can hurt them. He didn’t have any data on how many citations his department has issued under the ordinance, but he doubted there have been many.
http://nbc15.madison.com/news/headlines/1641966.html
I wonder if this money spent to support this measure would be better spentif they let these 'kids' know it's a dangerous rush thru education? how far can they push this law? if you are on paper and have butane, but no refillable lighter- what may happen?
I find this absolute rubbish and yet another potential hazrd to our families in the face of addiction.
and just so you know, my ex DIED of this in March of 1991. we were in high school and it wasn't as commonplace as one may try and lead you to believe. and from what I remember, not all teens are as ignorant as what the government wants you to believe, to support this measure.