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OFFICIALS WANT HARSHER PENALTIES FOR HUFFERS

SPRINGFIELD - Southern Illinois officials want to target people who show up in court over and over after being arrested for inhaling chemicals to get high.

Williamson County Assistant State's Attorney Ryan Hall said he sees the same handful of people being caught by police for what is known as "huffing" - a practice in which products such as paint are inhaled.

"It's a reoccurring problem with various individuals," Hall said.  "They're addicts."

Under current state law, a judge can send an offender for jail for 30 days.  That time doesn't typically include any treatment, and it's not long enough for someone to kick the addiction, Hall said.

"We can't do anything for these people," Hall said.

Legislation pending in Springfield would increase the maximum sentence to up to a year for someone's second huffing offense.  And treatment could be a possible sentencing option.

Hall traveled to Springfield to testify about the plan earlier this month and said he heard from officials in other areas who see similar problems.

State Rep.  John Bradley, D-Marion, is sponsoring the legislation.  It's already won approval from a House committee but still needs full House and Senate consideration.

Bradley said he hopes the increased penalty for a second conviction and the availability of treatment would help people kick the habit.

"It's the same people over and over again," Bradley said.

The legislation is House Bill 3869.