Bill increases cops ability to search for drug parapharenalia

Police and other law officers would have broader authority to conduct a search if they see “drug paraphernalia” in a car or home if a bill which cleared the Iowa House last night becomes law. Representative Clel Baudler, a republican from Greenfield, is a retired state trooper. Baudler says the bill gives the “frontline soliders” a tool to used in the drug war.Representative Dick Myers, a democrat from Iowa City, said some police officers would abuse their authority and search anytime they found an empty pop can or other item on the “drug paraphernalia” list. He says you are innocent until you are proven guilty in this country and you shouldn’t have to prove yourself guilty if someone decides to make a case against you.Representative Bill Dotzler, a democrat from Waterloo, said the bill was too broad. Dotzler said there were several things on his desk that could get him into trouble if someone wanted to interpret them as being on the paraphernalia list.Representative Paul Bell, a democrat who’s a policeman in Newton, urged legislators to support the bill as it would help in nabbing drug makers, dealers and users. He says law officers should be given credit for using some common sense.The penalty for being convicted of possession of drug paraphernalia could be up to a 500-dollar fine. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.