 The measure amends the Methamphetamine Precursor Control Act by making it
illegal for individuals to knowingly purchase pseudoephedrine or ephedrine on
behalf of meth manufacturers. The amendment strengthens the "pill shopping"
violation, making it a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense and a Class 4
felony for a second or subsequent conviction.
Madigan said the change is necessary to keep meth precursors out of the hands
of meth cooks, who often turn to "pill shoppers" to buy cold pills on their
behalf, due to previous convictions that bar offenders from purchasing
pseudoephedrine. The attorney general stressed that the amendment will not
affect lawful buyers of pseudoephedrine. They will still be able to obtain
pseudoephedrine-containing medications within the current limits set by Illinois
law.
"We must be aggressive in adapting to how meth manufacturers skirt the law to
make this dangerous drug," said Madigan. "The bill gives law enforcement a
necessary tool to prosecute pill shoppers who are paid to evade laws on the sale
of pseudoephedrine in Illinois."
Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, a longtime supporter of tough methamphetamine
laws, sponsored the legislation in consultation with the attorney general's
office.
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"Despite our best efforts, meth addicts constantly find new ways to
circumvent the law," Bradley said. "Attorney General Madigan and I
have worked before to address various issues pertaining to meth's
disastrous effects on families and society, and I welcome this
opportunity to do so again."
Madigan has long worked to combat the scourge of meth use and
production in Illinois, supporting tough laws, including the 2006
Methamphetamine Precursor Control Act, that crack down on the sale
of pseudoephedrine and strengthening penalties for people convicted
of meth-related offenses.
[Text from file received from the office
of
Illinois Attorney General Lisa
Madigan]
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