MADIGAN AIMS TO TOUGHEN PENALTIES FOR METH MAKERS

(AP) -- Illinois' attorney general launched a crackdown on the state's
growing problem with methamphetamine labs Monday, seeking to double criminal
penalties if children are exposed when the drug is manufactured.

Convicted meth makers would face prison terms of six to 120 years under the
proposal, which will be introduced in the Legislature this week and could
become law July 1 if approved.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan said meth labs are law enforcement's ''fastest
growing, most devastating and most costly problem.'' She called the mixture
of meth production and children a ''recipe for disaster.''

Freon, anhydrous ammonia, acetone and other chemicals used for meth
production can cause burns, damage lungs and brain development, and can be
fatal in extreme cases, she said.

Children are especially susceptible because they crawl and play on floors
where they can be exposed to chemicals and utensils used to make meth,
Madigan said.

She cited recent cases in which a 5-year-old's bedroom was used for meth
production, and another in which an 8-year-old was found vomiting in a car
with a meth lab in its trunk.

Meth lab seizures in Illinois rocketed 2,600 percent from 1997 through 2001
and 35 percent of those cases involved children, Madigan said.

She said the legislation ''sends a clear message to meth producers that if
you risk kids' safety, you risk doing double time.''

The proposal is a proactive approach to a growing problem that is draining
police budgets, said Bartonville Police Chief Brian Fengel, who joined
Madigan for the announcement in Peoria.

The bill, which would apply to children 18 years old and younger, will be
sponsored by state Senators Bill Haine (D-Edwardsville) and John Sullivan
(D-Rushville).

Madigan said she also will seek legislation that would require convicted
meth producers to pay cleanup costs, which can range from $1,000 to $5,000
because hazardous materials are involved.