SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - A measure co-sponsored by state Rep. Mike Smiddy (D-Hillsdale) to help investigate and prosecute methamphetamine producers passed the Senate and will be sent to the governor's desk.
"Preventing dangerous illegal drugs from being produced in and spread throughout our communities is a massive public health and safety issue," said Smiddy. "Catching meth producers before they distribute and profit from these drugs is critical in curbing the problem and finding a long-term solution to the increasing use of meth."
House Bill 1311 strengthens meth prevention efforts by allowing probation and court services departments to identify, investigate and prosecute violations of the state's meth laws. Currently, only law enforcement agencies and prosecutors' offices are authorized. If passed, this bill will allow these agencies to inspect pharmacy distribution records for methamphetamine precursors, such as Sudafed.
"Expanding the scope of who is able to legally investigate methamphetamine precursors greatly expands our ability to crack down on drug users and producers," Smiddy said. "This is an important step to ensure that as a community we are using every tool at our disposal to combat these dangerous drugs. Empowering probation officers to say something if they see something gives one more line of defense in rooting out meth and stopping the risky production that endangers families."
For more information, contact Smiddy's office at RepSmiddy@gmail.com, (309) 848-9098, or toll free at (855) 243-4988.
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