Sangamon Sun

State and local officials in Illinois are advocating for legislative measures to tackle the state's growing fentanyl crisis. On March 6, State Senators Sally Turner (R-Beason) and Sue Rezin (R-Morris), along with McLean County Coroner Kathleen Yoder, introduced four bills targeting fentanyl traffickers, public safety, and the identification of fentanyl-related deaths.

Senator Turner has put forward two significant bills:

- Senate Bill 280 proposes increasing penalties for selling or dispensing fentanyl, classifying it as a Class X felony with prison terms ranging from 9 to 40 years and fines up to $250,000. It also addresses the use of electronic devices in trafficking with fines reaching $100,000.

- Senate Bill 1569 aims to raise mandatory prison sentences for crimes involving fentanyl by adding five years for manufacturing or delivering the drug and enhancing penalties for possession.

Senator Rezin has introduced two additional proposals:

- Senate Bill 113 mandates that defendants charged with trafficking 15 grams or more of fentanyl must demonstrate they do not pose a public safety threat before being granted pretrial release.

- Senate Bill 1283 seeks to classify fentanyl-related deaths as "fentanyl poisonings" instead of overdoses to reduce stigma and acknowledge that many victims unknowingly consume the substance.

Coroner Yoder emphasized the challenges communities face due to potent illicit fentanyl mixtures and underscored the need for prevention, treatment, and accountability. The proposed bills are currently under review; Senate Bills 280 and 1569 have been assigned to the Senate Criminal Law Clear Compliance Subcommittee, while Senate Bills 113 and 1283 await committee assignments.

In other news, a recent forecast by the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) reveals a $1.2 billion shortfall in Governor Pritzker’s proposed budget. Despite including $490 million in new revenues pending approval by the Illinois General Assembly, COGFA estimates still show a $740 million gap compared to projections from the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget. State Senator Sally Turner stressed the importance of adopting a responsible fiscal plan without relying on uncertain revenue sources or additional tax burdens.

Meanwhile, results from Illinois' flag redesign contest showed overwhelming support for retaining the current state flag after receiving over 385,000 votes during a five-week period. Although voters favored keeping the existing design over new options derived from historical flags dating back to 1918 and 1968, lawmakers will still decide whether to adopt any changes.

Additionally, Darby Hills was sworn in as Illinois State Senator for the 26th District on February 28. Hills brings extensive experience in public service as a former Barrington Hills Village Board trustee and founder of Barrington Children’s Charity. “I’m honored to represent the 26th District in the Illinois Senate," said Senator Hills. "My mission is clear—fight for families, cut taxes, hold government accountable.” She will serve as Minority Spokesperson for the Child Welfare Committee among other roles.