Late on Tuesday, April 8, a Senate and House Conference Committee, without a hearing, public notice or a debate in Congress, attached the Illicit Drug Anti-Proliferation Act (formerly known as the RAVE Act) to the Amber Alert
Bill (a child abduction bill).
The main floor fight is likely to take place in the Senate in the next 12-24 hours.
Representatives John Conyers (D-MI) and Bobby Scott (D-VA) opposed the effort to pass this controversial legislation but were outvoted and the RAVE Act provisions became part of the bill. These provisions make it clear that "crackhouse laws" apply to temporary events, such as concerts, dances or festivals, and add civil penalties of up to $250,000 to the statute. If passed, property owners can be punished for any drug offense that their customers commit - even if they work hard to stop such offenses. This is likely to deter nightclub and stadium owners from
holding events.
On a more positive note, the word "rave" and an earlier "findings" section that implied that water, glow sticks and other legal items could be construed as evidence of drug use have been removed from the bill. We hope
that this will ensure that nightclub and other property owners will not be prosecuted for having these legal items available to customers.
To take action please visit
http://actioncenter.drugpolicy.org/action/index.asp?step=2&item=1578
If you live in the US fax your Senators to let them know that you oppose the inclusion of RAVE Act provisions in the AMBER Alert Bill. As well, let Representatives John Conyers and Bobby Scott know that you appreciate their fight. Write a thank you note, card, postcard, or e- mail:
Representative John Conyers
669 Federal Office Building
231 West Lafayette Boulevard
Detroit, MI 48226
John.Conyers@mail.house.gov
Representative Bobby Scott
The Jackson Center
501 N Second Street
Richmond, VA 23219
bobby.scott@mail.house.gov
