OFFICIALS WANT HARSHER PENALTIES FOR HUFFERS

SPRINGFIELD - Southern Illinois officials want to target people who
show up in court over and over after being arrested for inhaling
chemicals to get high.

Williamson County Assistant State's Attorney Ryan Hall said he sees
the same handful of people being caught by police for what is known as
"huffing" - a practice in which products such as paint are inhaled.

"It's a reoccurring problem with various individuals," Hall said.
"They're addicts."

Under current state law, a judge can send an offender for jail for 30
days. That time doesn't typically include any treatment, and it's not
long enough for someone to kick the addiction, Hall said.

"We can't do anything for these people," Hall said.

Legislation pending in Springfield would increase the maximum sentence
to up to a year for someone's second huffing offense. And treatment
could be a possible sentencing option.

Hall traveled to Springfield to testify about the plan earlier this
month and said he heard from officials in other areas who see similar
problems.

State Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, is sponsoring the legislation. It's
already won approval from a House committee but still needs full House
and Senate consideration.

Bradley said he hopes the increased penalty for a second conviction
and the availability of treatment would help people kick the habit.

"It's the same people over and over again," Bradley
said.

The legislation is House Bill 3869.