Sen. Majority Leader Ronnie Chance Applauds Senate Passage of HB 57

ATLANTA (February 25, 2013) – Senate Majority Leader Ronnie Chance (R – Tyrone) commends the Georgia State Senate for its passage of House Bill 57, which revises Georgia code to expand the definition of Schedule I controlled substances. The revisions specifically target compounds used to manufacture synthetic marijuana. HB 57 was sponsored by Sen. Buddy Carter (R – Pooler) and is a swift response to manufacturers who changed the chemical make-up of the drug after SB 370 was signed into law in 2012.

“This is a good public policy measure intended to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our citizens and strengthen previously passed legislation,” said Sen. Chance. “Our goal is to send a clear message to synthetic marijuana manufacturers that this activity will not be tolerated in our state.”

Last year, Governor Nathan Deal signed SB 370, which outlaws all forms of synthetic marijuana in Georgia. The legislation was named “Chase’s Law” after Chase Burnett, a 16-year-old honor student and soccer player from Fayette County, who passed away after smoking synthetic marijuana. The legislation was aimed at drastically curbing the increased use of the substance in Georgia.

After the bill’s passage, synthetic marijuana manufacturers changed the chemical composition of the drug to bypass the legislation. HB 57 addresses those changes and adds those compounds to the list of banned compounds.

“The Burnett family has been an outspoken advocate for the complete ban of all synthetic marijuana products and compounds. Their work, both on the passage of SB 370 and HB 57, has been tremendous and I am very grateful for their efforts,” said Sen. Chance.

RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
February 25, 2013

For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director
Jennifer.Yarber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028