SYRACUSE -- State and federal lawmakers are speaking out against the dangers of bath salts, and some are working to strengthen laws that are currently on the books.
The latest push to make bath salts illegal was sparked by the death of a Munnsville woman. Police say she was high on bath salts when she allegedly assaulted her three-year-old child, choked her dog, and tried to bite a state trooper.
Many Central New York parents say the stories they've heard about bath salts are terrifying, and they'd like to see stricter laws against them.
"I think any drug should be banned, especially something that's as dangerous and unsafe as bath salts," says Erin Soule, who has three children.
It's illegal to sell bath salts in New York state, but they are still readily accessible online.
Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) says he has sponsored a bill that would make all bath salts illegal across the country.
"The bath salts industry is now perfectly legal. It's amazing," says Schumer. "Most of it is done online. Our law would stop that from happening."
Schumer says that law was passed in the Senate, but it still needs to be passed by the House of Representatives. He's hoping all bath salts will be banned by August 1st.
Some state lawmakers are also trying to strengthen laws against bath salts.
Sen. Joe Griffo (R-47th District) has sponsored a bill that would make it a felony to sell or possess bath salts.
"I think it's a serious crime, and it should reflect the seriousness of that crime," says Griffo. "I think making it a felony would do that."
Griffo says his bill has been passed in the state Senate. It has not been passed yet in the Assembly.
Do you think more needs to be done to combat the use of bath salts? What would you like to see lawmakers do? Post your comments below.
