In their ongoing desire to combat the fentanyl epidemic that is running rampant throughout the state and nation, State Senators Sally Turner and Sue Rezin held a press conference at the State Capitol last Tuesday to unveil legislation that creates two new offenses and penalties for individuals who intentionally sell scheduled drugs with fentanyl or use electronic communication devices to sell fentanyl.
Senate Bill 4221 would amend the manufacture and delivery offense within the Illinois Controlled Substances Act to create a new Class X felony requiring nine to 40 years in prison for unlawfully selling or dispensing any scheduled drug, like Adderall or Vicodin, that contains a detectable amount of fentanyl.
Senator Terri Bryant says as death numbers in relation to fentanyl continue to rise, it’s important the General Assembly take action and hold these individuals responsible to the highest degree.
Additionally, SB 4221 would expand the controlled substance trafficking offense to create a new Class 1 felony, which would come with a fine up to $100K for anyone using an electronic communications device in the furtherance of controlled substance trafficking involving a substance containing any amount of fentanyl.