Pubdate: Sat, 24 Feb 2007
Source: Quincy Herald-Whig (IL)
Copyright: 2007 Quincy Herald-Whig
Contact:  http://www.whig.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3360
Author: Doug Wilson
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

BILL STRENGTHENS PENALTY FOR USING FAKE ID TO BUY INGREDIENTS FOR METH

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Legislation approved Friday by the Illinois 
Senate would increase the punishment for purchasing over-the-counter 
ingredients for methamphetamine production using a fake or borrowed ID.

The bill, introduced by state Sen. John Sullivan, D-Rushville, 
unanimously passed out of the Senate and has been sent to the House 
for consideration.

"At a meeting with local law enforcement last fall, I was surprised 
to learn that criminals who use a fake ID to buy medicine containing 
ephedrine or pseudoephedrine are not charged under the criminal 
code," Sullivan said.

"With this legislation we send the message that if you misrepresent 
your identity to buy the ingredients to make meth, you face severe 
consequences."

Under current law, a person faces only a Class A misdemeanor when 
using a fake ID to buy ingredients to make methamphetamine. Senate 
Bill 55 would increase this to a Class 4 felony punishable by one to 
three years in prison and fines of up to $25,000 for first time offenders.

Those convicted a second time would face a Class 3 felony punishable 
by two to five years in prison and a $25,000 fine. For a third 
offense the penalty increases to three to seven years in prison and a 
fine of up to $25,000.

According to the bill, pharmacies and retail distributors, along with 
any employees, who violate the act face stricter penalties for first 
and repeat offenses.

State law requires those buying ephedrine or pseudoephedrine -- which 
are using in making meth -- to show their identification to store 
workers and provide a signature on a sign-in sheet that goes to law 
enforcement officials. There are strict limits on the amount of 
medicines available.

Sullivan said "pill shoppers" using fake driver's licenses and other 
false identification have been observed shopping for the controlled medicines.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman