04
Jun
2015
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - To combat the state's growing heroin problem, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, voted to pass legislation establishing a comprehensive plan to reduce abuse of heroin.
"Thousands of Illinois families have been torn apart by heroin," Smiddy said. "Illinois must take unified, strong action if we are to halt the spread of this deadly drug and the havoc it creates in our communities."
Smiddy joined every member of the Illinois House in voting for the historic legislation. The bill, House Bill 1, includes prescription-return programs, expanded drug courts and additional treatment programs for low-level possession charges. Additionally, naloxone, a drug used to counteract heroin overdoses, will be carried by first responders, and the state will develop a heroin drug prevention program that can be implemented at any public school in the state.
"This plan combines an effort to stop the heroin-related deaths that are happening right now across the state, while attempting the change the culture around the drug and prevent its abuse long-term," Smiddy said. "I'll remain committed to making our communities safe and reducing the harm this drug can have on our children."
House Bill 1 received bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate and will await the signature of the governor to become law.
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