Pubdate: Mon, 23 Aug 2004
Source: Peoria Journal Star (IL)
Copyright: 2004sPeoria Journal Star
Contact:  http://pjstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/338
Author: Adriana Colindres of the Journal Star
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

PARTIES COLLABORATING TO COMBAT METH USE

Democrats, GOP Work To Pass New Laws against The Narcotic

SPRINGFIELD - The methamphetamine problem in Illinois is so big that 
Democrats and Republicans are cooperating on proposed solutions, rather 
than fighting over political turf, says Attorney General Lisa Madigan. 
Madigan, a Democrat who is the state's chief legal officer, and legislators 
from both parties have been working to pass new laws intended to curb the 
use and manufacture of the illegal narcotic.

"The reason that we've been able to work bipartisanly is, in large part, 
because of the areas that are impacted," she said. "They're represented by 
Republicans and Democrats (in the General Assembly), and there's an 
understanding that everybody has to come together to try to solve this 
problem." This year, for instance, legislators passed a Madigan-backed 
initiative that restricts the sale of certain non-prescription medication. 
Methamphetamine manufacturers often buy such medicine, which includes 
Sudafed and other types of cold remedies, in massive quantities so they can 
produce the highly addictive drug. The medicines contain ephedrine or 
pseudoephedrine, a key ingredient of methamphetamine. Senate Bill 2244, 
sponsored by nearly 40 Democratic and Republican lawmakers, prevents 
individuals from buying more than two packages of medicine containing 
ephedrine or pseudoephedrine during a single purchase. "The thinking behind 
it is simple," said Rep. Dan Brady, a Bloomington Republican who 
co-sponsored the bill. "Without that ingredient, you don't have meth."

Another part of the bill spells out how medicine with ephedrine or 
pseudoephedrine must be displayed in retail stores. For instance, some of 
the medications - those with a single active ingredient - must be located 
out of customers' reach, either behind a counter or in a locked case. The 
legislation also requires employees to undergo training so they can be on 
the lookout for individuals planning to cook meth. Senate Bill 2244 still 
needs the governor's signature to become law, but he is expected to give 
the go-ahead. Sen. William Haine, an Alton Democrat who was one of the 
bill's main sponsors, said that tougher restrictions on buying cold 
medicine would cut into the profits of methamphetamine manufacturers.

"That will protect children, as well as driving out of the business those 
who make it, thus saving us from further addictions as a society," he said. 
"The more places they have to run to get the stuff, the greater the chances 
they're going to trip a wire and be caught by law enforcement." In recent 
years, the General Assembly has approved a variety of 
methamphetamine-related measures that became law.

A law that took effect on Jan. 1 allows judges to double the maximum 
criminal penalties and fines for anyone who endangers children by 
manufacturing methamphetamine. Prosecutors in central Illinois also are 
actively charging defendants under a year-old drug-related child 
endangerment law.

Sen. John Sullivan, a Rushville Democrat who was one of the main supporters 
of that measure, said methamphetamine addicts view family, children and 
work as secondary priorities.

"I've had the opportunity to sit down and talk with some meth users," 
Sullivan said. "In conversations that I've had with them, it's just scary. 
It's unbelievable how this drug just consumes their entire lives." 
Legislation approved this year would result in a maximum 50-year prison 
sentence for methamphetamine manufacturers who cause fires or explosions. 
House Bill 3882, which was backed by Tazewell County State's Attorney 
Stewart Umholtz, was signed Friday by the governor.

Whether lawmakers can do anything more to get rid of the methamphetamine 
problem depends on one's point of view.

"Is there more work to be done? Absolutely," said Sullivan. "I think we 
need more programs to help the addicts themselves."

Rep. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, said he hopes lawmakers shift their focus to 
prevention and treatment of methamphetamine abuse. That would include a 
stepped-up public education effort to help people - especially teachers, 
clergy members and others who come into contact with children - recognize 
clues that point to a methamphetamine problem.

Rose, Brady and other Illinois House Republicans are spending part of their 
summer conducting hearings of the new Methamphetamine Crisis Task Force. A 
hearing is scheduled to take place Thursday in Galesburg. The lawmakers 
hope to hear from law enforcement officials, substance-abuse treatment 
counselors and others about what the state can do to further help 
communities in the battle against the drug.

Rep. Donald Moffitt, a Gilson Republican and task force member, said a 
police officer suggested the state should enact a new law requiring 
methamphetamine offenders to shoulder more of the cost of cleaning up a 
meth lab site. A law passed last year allows the state to seek restitution 
for cleanup from convicted methamphetamine manufacturers, provided they 
have any remaining assets. But Moffitt said the police officer's proposal 
calls for anyone arrested for a methamphetamine crime be required to pay 
money up front for a "cleanup bond," as well as for a bail bond, before 
being released from jail. If the person ultimately does not get convicted, 
he or she could get that money back. "I thought it was a great idea, and I 
want the task force to hear it," Moffitt said.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager