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. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman