Make ‘Date Rape Drug’ Illegal, Legislator Urges Moscow Police Chief, Hearing Reports Of UI Use, Favors Move

A legislator wants to outlaw a so-called “date rape drug” before it can be used and abused in Idaho.

Rep. Celia Gould, R-Buhl, is asking lawmakers to designate gamma hydroxybutyrate a “Schedule 1” controlled substance, like heroin, so authorities can stop people from producing and selling it.

Moscow police are hearing reports of the drug being circulated among University of Idaho students.

“We haven’t made any arrests partly because the laws are very vague about this particular drug,” Moscow Police Chief Dan Weaver said. “That’s why we are certainly supporting this legislation. It would give us a tool to more actively seek out people who are doing more harm with this drug.”

Idaho law already includes penalties for rapists who drug their victims. It might be hard to quantify how often rapists use the drug. Tests often don’t look for it. Victims may not be able to identify their attackers because the drug causes amnesia.

It also is tough to quantify problems resulting from the drug because of the nature of date rape itself.

“Even though she said no, she feels somehow she contributed to it,” said Evelyn Mallea, a Twin Falls social worker.

Women may be reluctant to come forward because they blame themselves for accepting a date, Mallea said.

Eleven states have banned the drug.

The House Health and Welfare Committee has unanimously voted to introduce the legislation.

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ABOUT THE DRUG Experts say that in small doses, gamma hydroxybutyrate commonly called the “date rape drug” creates euphoria and relaxation. In higher doses, the drug can lead to amnesia, comas or death. If Idaho makes the drug a “Schedule 1” controlled substance, penalties for producing and selling it would include up to life in prison and up to $25,000 in fines.