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Md. Lawmakers Want to Restrict Location of Methadone Clinics October 28, 2003
News Summary
Several Maryland lawmakers are working on a bill that would limit the areas where methadone clinics can open, the Washington Post reported Oct. 23.
The action comes after two attempts to open a methadone clinic in Howard County resulted in strong opposition from residents.
Delegate Neil F. Quinter (D-Howard County), who is drafting the bill for the Maryland House of Representatives, said the measure would prohibit methadone clinics from opening within a one-mile radius of schools.
"You don't want a bunch of drug addicts crossing paths with children on their way to school," Quinter said.
Quinter expects to introduce the measure in January.
Erika Miles, editorial coordinator for Join Together Demand Treatment!, a national advocacy group based at Boston University's School of Public Health, said government attempts to restrict the location of methadone clinics is becoming common. She said that local zoning regulations are generally the norm, but there have been instances when state laws govern the location of such clinics.
Quinter and other lawmakers said they are aware that such laws would likely face legal challenges, since clinics fall under federal anti-discrimination laws protecting those with disabilities. "It's hard to limit the location. It's hard to know if it will stand up in court," said Del. Shane E. Pendergrass (D-Howard). "It's still worth a try."
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