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. - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager