Beyond CarFax: Registry to Flag Former Meth Lab Houses, Cars

Marion leaders are on the verge of passing meth lab laws that could stop the sale of cars, houses or apartments where meth was cooked until they are detoxified at the owners expense. 

If the law is passed, Marion police would keep a public record of homes and vehicles where meth was made for three years. The residue from meth can make people sick. 

Through the law, police could also prevent people from moving into the home or apartment and a car would be impounded until it's been properly detoxified. 

A hygienist would test that there is no more than 0.1 micrograms per one hundred square centimeters before occupancy is allowed. The clean up and testing costs would be at the owner or landlords expense.

"I think it's a good idea ... especially if you have kids and you're moving in with kids,” Suzy Mitchell, who lives near an apartment was a meth lab was found, told KCRG.

Kevin Platz, of the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors, raised questions in an email to KCRG about what effect the law would have on property values of surrounding units and neighborhoods.