Huber Bill Mandating Jail Sentences For Meth Dealers Advances

Bill Approved By Assembly Now Moves to Senate


AB 640 by Assemblymember Huber will now advance to the Senate after passing the Assembly floor with overwhelming bipartisan support. AB 640 would enhance current sentences on individuals convicted of selling methamphetamine by imposing a minimum jail term of 120 days as a condition of probation.

“Methamphetamine use is at a crisis point in the state. Californians make up 40% of all meth treatment admissions nationwide. One of the ways we can break the cycle of use is by cracking down on the dealers that sell the drugs,” Huber said.

“We must put to an end the ability of drug dealers to return directly back to our streets after being convicted of selling methamphetamine. If the meth pushers are behind bars, drug addicts and drug infested communities can cleanup and break the cycle of drug abuse,” she said

Current law requires those convicted of the sale of cocaine, heroin, or PCP to serve at least 180 days in jail as a condition of probation, but existing law does not have a similar provision for those convicted of the sale of methamphetamine. Therefore, a person convicted of the sale of methamphetamine could be granted probation and not serve one day in jail.

Supporting AB 640 are County Sheriffs from Huber’s Assembly District, Amador County Sheriff Martin Ryan and San Joaquin County Sheriff Steve Moore. In addition, the California District Attorneys Association, California Peace Officers’ Association, California Police Chiefs Association, California State Sheriffs’ Association, Peace Officers Research Association of California and the San Joaquin County District Attorney James Willet are also supporting AB 640.