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.