Pubdate: Sat, 13 Aug 2005
Source: Marion Daily Republican (IL)
Copyright: 2005 Marion Daily Republican
Contact:  http://www.mariondaily.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3549
Author: Diane Wilkins, Marion Daily Republican
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

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."
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MAP posted-by: Beth