Drug Legislation Contributes to Shaky Relationship Between Legislators and Police
Rep. Carol Ammons (D-Urbana) has advanced legislation essentially decriminalizing larger amounts of opioids and controlled substances. As police and lawmakers negotiate a fix to the controversial police reform bill passed in January, there are concerns the “anti police” legislation could further erode trust.
A bill sponsored by Rep. Carol Ammons (D-Urbana) that, essentially, decriminalizes significant amounts of drugs. The bill passed Wednesday with 61 votes, just barely more than the minimum of 60 to pass legislation. The bill could have larger implications on the shaky relationship between lawmakers and police.
The bill essentially allows three or five grams of some controlled substances and 40 pills of opioids like oxycontin or even LSD tablets.
Jim Kaitschuk, Executive Director of the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association, says the possession amounts would let drug dealers get avoid felony charges.
“That’s not regular user amounts,” Kaitschuk said. “Dealers carry those amounts.”
“My concern with de-felonizing all controlled substances and methamphetamine is that we will remove incentives for treatment, that [it] will lead to people not getting the treatment they need, and that it will cause individuals to continue to violate the law and worsen their addiction,” said Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis), a former State’s Attorney.
“We don’t believe in throwing them away,” said Ammons. “This bill is to restore them, give them an opportunity, and to prevent the downward spiral of incarceration in the lives of those who are drug [addicts].”
Potentially complicating matters is ongoing negotiations between police representatives and Rep. Justin Slaughter (D-Chicago) to add a fix, or a “trailer” bill to the controversial police reform bill passed in January. We spoke to numerous people involved or near the discussion who are concerned that the view of “anti-police” legislation coming from the General Assembly could torpedo any efforts to work together.
