Indiana lawmakers to debate meth lab disclosure

INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana lawmakers are set to consider a bill that would require houses once used as methamphetamine labs to be reported online.

The state Senate Civil Law Committee is scheduled to hear testimony Monday on the measure. The bill also would transfer control of the reporting website from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute to Indiana State Police.

Properties could be taken off the list 90 days after they are cleaned and declared habitable.

State police say about 1,800 meth labs were found across Indiana last year. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management reports contaminated homes pose health hazards, particularly for children.

The proposal earlier passed the Indiana House unanimously. Approval from the full Senate and governor is needed before it can become law.