RESOLUTION NO. RS2012-160

A resolution expressing support for state legislation that would expand the prohibition on the manufacture, sale, delivery, and possession of synthetic drugs beyond those made with the specific ingredients listed in the current statutes.

WHEREAS, Tennessee Code Annotated §§ 39-17-452 and 39-17-438 prohibit certain “synthetic” drugs made with specific ingredients; and

WHEREAS, the development and abuse of additional harmful synthetic drugs using similar ingredients not technically prohibited has been occurring in Davidson County and across Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, House Bill 2218 and Senate Bill 2172, currently pending in the Tennessee General Assembly, would prohibit the sale, manufacture, delivery and possession of drugs made with these ingredients or other drugs that are substantially similar to the chemical structure of these drugs or drugs that have a substantially similar stimulant, depressant, or hallucinogenic effect on the central nervous system; and

WHEREAS, various other bills have been introduced in the Tennessee General Assembly that are also intended to ban a broader classification of synthetic drugs; and

WHEREAS, in the interest of public safety, it is fitting and proper that the State of Tennessee adopt a law that would prohibit these additional synthetic drugs as well as the specific drugs already prohibited.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to support the necessary legislation to prohibit the manufacture, sale, delivery, and possession of the additional harmful synthetic drugs that have been and are being developed to circumvent the current prohibitions.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to each member of the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly.

Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Charlie Tygard