McLean County Times

On Nov. 15, Sen. Sally Turner (R-Lincoln) and Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) held a press conference to unveil legislation to combat the fentanyl epidemic.

“The General Assembly should use the next two weeks to seriously consider legislation that I filed to help combat the ongoing fentanyl poisoning and synthetic opioid epidemic that's already claimed thousands of lives in Illinois," Turner said. "This epidemic grows more serious each year as the number of deaths continues to climb. ... We as legislators have a responsibility to take action and protect the people who are the targets of this deadly poison." 

Turner said the bill was the least lawmakers could do to protect citizens.

"We must do everything we can to combat this ongoing epidemic before it becomes too late," Turner said. "Each day that we do nothing more lives are lost. I truly believe in my heart that this bill is without question necessary and the very least we can do is to protect our citizens and families and children that call Illinois their home."

Senate Bill 4221 was introduced on Aug. 5 by Turner. Rezin is the chief co-sponsor of the legislation.

The bill amends the Illinois Controlled Substances Act and makes changes so that a person who knowingly and unlawfully sells or dispenses any scheduled drug containing a detectable amount of fentanyl is guilty of a Class X felony and shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than 9 years and not more than 40 years or fined not more than $250,000.

Turner joined the Illinois Senate in 2021. Her legislative experience includes serving on the Ethics Committee and Senate Higher Education Committee. Turner resides in Beason.