GOVERNOR SIGNS BRADLEY-BACKED METH BILLS

GRANITE CITY -- Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed several new laws Friday that
give law enforcement more tools to protect Illinois families and farmers.
The comprehensive legislative package creates new criminal offenses to help
law enforcement crack down on people who assist in the dangerous
methamphetamine-manufacturing process, gives meth-addicted inmates access
to treatment and help before they are released back into their communities,
and provides local law enforcement agencies with more support in closing
down and cleaning up illegal meth labs.

The governor was joined by Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Illinois State
Representative John Bradley, D-Marion, other lawmakers and law enforcement
officials.

In addition to signing legislation, Blagojevich announced more than $3.5
million in federal funds that the state will use to help communities in 61
counties combat the highly addictive drug.

"Methamphetamine is one of the most addictive drugs on the streets right
now," said Blagojevich. "It not only destroys the lives of users, but it
can pose huge dangers to families and entire communities where it is
manufactured and used

"We're marshaling our resources and coordinating with law enforcement at
every level to stop the meth epidemic. These new laws will give local law
enforcement more support in their efforts to protect their communities,
ensure kids whose caregivers fall into the meth trap have safe and
appropriate care, and help addicts who go to prison get help before they go
home."

The governor signed Senate Bill 562, the new Methamphetamine Control and
Community Protection Act, initiated by Madigan and sponsored by Sen.
William R. Haine, D-Alton and Bradley. The new law creates a new, dedicated
statute for crimes related to the manufacture, distribution, and use of
meth that creates a new offense targeting those who buy or attempt to buy,
transport or assemble meth-making materials other than pseudoephedrine,
ephedrine or anhydrous ammonia; creates a new offense targeting those who
work as lookouts for meth manufacturers; makes it a crime to dispose of
meth manufacturing waste; requires that those who manufacture meth in
places like hotels, motels, apartment buildings or condominiums face
mandatory prison time and makes it a Class 1 Felony to possess, sell, or
transport anhydrous ammonia for the purpose of making meth.

"While methamphetamine can be imported, it very often is 'homegrown' here
in Illinois - made in someone's kitchen or the trunk of a car. The
Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act recognizes that meth
is different than other drugs: meth manufacture can cause just as much harm
- - sometimes even more harm - than its distribution and use," Attorney
General Madigan said. "This new law offers greater protection to those who
are most endangered by the manufacture of meth in Illinois, including
children, law enforcement, families and entire communities."

The new statute created by SB 562 is expected to improve the ability of law
enforcement and prosecutors to hold meth offenders responsible for their
crimes. It goes in to effect 30 days from today, on Sept. 11.

"I am proud that the governor is signing Senate Bill 562 and House Bill
2411 today," said Bradley. "The governor recognizes the crisis that we have
in this state regarding methamphetamine, and he is taking the significant
steps to work with us in addressing this issue."

The governor also signed legislation that will create a pilot program for
the treatment of meth addiction that was sponsored by Bradley and Sen. Gary
Forby (D-Benton), House Bill 2411 creates the Methamphet-amine Abusers
Pilot Program at the Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center and Franklin
County Jail.

People convicted of unlawful possession of meth, and who are determined to
have an abuse or addiction problem with the drug may be ordered to
participate in the pilot program. Once enrolled, the individual will
receive needed medical and psychiatric treatment for methamphetamine abuse
or addiction for 90 to 180 days. The court will approve the individual
treatment plans in consultation with the Department of Human Services. The
new law goes in to effect January 1, 2006.

"House Bill 2411 recognizes that these people have a problem," said Forby.
"They've fallen victim to a very powerful narcotic and need our help to get
their lives back under control."

Bradley has been working in conjunction with Madigan's office on the meth
problem.

"The funding and creation of a meth-abuse treatment pilot program in
Southern Illinois is a big step, and I am thrilled to have Dr. Alex
Stalcup, Director of New Leaf Treatment Centers in California, agree to
help us establish a working treatment program."