On April 10 both houses of Congress passed the Illicit Drug Proliferation Act of 2003, formerly known as the Reducing Americans’ Vulnerability to Ecstasy Act. Drug reformers are furious with Delaware Sen. Joe Biden’s end-run to pass the measure without any debate; foes of the IDPA are appalled by the law’s broad language, which they say could make live music a thing of the past. The law enhances Biden’s wildly unpopular mid-Eighties “crack-house laws” and would hold promoters or property owners liable for any drug use on their property. Supporters say the act is aimed at a few “unscrupulous” promoters who knowingly allow drugs into their events, but opponents say the IDPA could ensnare a wide range of “hosts” — including people in their own homes. The statute levies penalties of up to 20 years in federal prison and a minimum $250,000 fine.
This article appears in April 18 • 2003.