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Gov. Brown Boosts Penalties For In-Home Hash Oil, Meth Labs

SACRAMENTO (CBS / AP) -- Gov. Jerry Brown has signed a bill increasing the penalties for manufacturing hash oil or methamphetamine in residential California neighborhoods.

SB212 by Democratic Sen. Tony Mendoza of Artesia makes it an aggravated felony to manufacture the drugs within close proximity to occupied residences, structures and schools.

He says more than 812 illicit drug labs have been found on private and public property in California in the last few years. They're often discovered as the result of a violent explosion or fire, and dozens have been injured.

The legislation allows a judge to consider such manufacturing in residential areas or near schools as an aggravating factor in a crime.

The Democratic governor announced signing the bill on Friday.

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