SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State lawmakers are crafting a pair of bills in response to the rising number of fentanyl-related overdose deaths in Illinois.
Senator Laura Ellman of Naperville is sponsoring House Bill 17, which offers two changes to state law.
“There’s increased penalties for those that manufacture and deliver fentanyl-laced products. And, there are safeguards for those who are seeking help for those who are using, or whose friends, colleagues or family have used it, and are facing an overdose crisis,” Ellman said.
Under House Bill 4556, sponsored by Senator Robert Peters of Chicago, pharmacists would be able to legally give out testing strips so that users could check drugs for fentanyl.
“If we don’t do what we have to do to make sure people are protected and safe, and that they know what is going into their bodies, then all we are doing is leaving them to the wolves in this fentanyl crisis,” Peters said.
Supporters say this is an effective strategy in reducing fentanyl-related deaths, much like needle exchange programs.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opiate that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin.
HB 17 and HB 4556 are expected to be introduced to the full House for a vote by April 4.
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