| Illinois Leaders Introduce Key Bills to Combat Deadly Fentanyl Crisis State and local officials are calling for legislative action to address the growing fentanyl crisis in Illinois. State Senators Sally Turner (R-Beason) and Sue Rezin (R-Morris), joined by McLean County Coroner Kathleen Yoder, introduced four bills on March 6 aimed at increasing penalties for fentanyl traffickers, improving public safety, and properly identifying fentanyl-related deaths. Senator Turner is leading two key bills to combat fentanyl trafficking: Senate Bill 280: Increases penalties for selling or dispensing fentanyl, making it a Class X felony with prison sentences of 9 to 40 years and fines up to $250,000. It also targets the use of electronic devices for trafficking with fines up to $100,000.Senate Bill 1569: Increases mandatory prison sentences for fentanyl-related crimes, adding 5 years for manufacturing or delivering fentanyl, and increasing penalties for possession. Senator Rezin has introduced two additional proposals: Senate Bill 113: Requires defendants charged with trafficking 15 grams or more of fentanyl to prove they do not pose a threat to public safety before being granted pretrial release.Senate Bill 1283: Ensures fentanyl-related deaths are classified as “fentanyl poisonings” rather than overdoses, helping to reduce stigma and recognizing that many victims unknowingly consume fentanyl. Coroner Yoder highlighted the growing impact of fentanyl in communities, noting the difficulty in reversing overdoses due to the potency of illicit fentanyl mixtures. She emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach involving prevention, treatment, and accountability for traffickers. The bills are currently under review, with Senate Bills 280 and 1569 assigned to the Senate Criminal Law Clear Compliance Subcommittee. Senate Bills 113 and 1283 are awaiting committee assignments. |
