Proposed Law Increases Penalties For Selling Drugs In Parks And Playgrounds

Dealers caught selling drugs in parks and playgrounds might soon find themselves facing more jail time than ever before. According to a press release, a bill (S2173A-2013) sponsored by State Senator Marty Golden, makes the punishment for selling drugs in parks and playgrounds equivalent to punishments for selling drugs on school grounds and day care centers.

Golden hopes that the new legislation makes parks safer and protects children.

“People who try to take advantage of our children should be dealt harsher penalties,” said Senator Golden. “We need to protect kids from the dangers of drug dealers, especially in places where they’re supposed to be safe – schools, parks, and playgrounds. This legislation expands on the work we have done in the past to protect kids from these predators in their schools and will hopefully make playgrounds and parks totally off limits to drug dealers.”

Having passed in the Senate, the bill now goes to the Assembly for a vote.