Politics & Government

Heroin Task Force Bill Passes

A bill proposed by state Rep. Sam Yingling (D-Grayslake) to create a task force to address heroin use among young people passed the House and Senate.

Legislation introduced by state Rep. Sam Yingling (D-Grayslake) to address the growing problem of heroin abuse in suburban high schools was approved by both chambers, Wednesday.

“I am grateful for the bi-partisan support this bill received in both the Senate and the House,” Yingling said. “Working to keep heroin out of our children’s lives is not a political issue – it’s about improving our communities and keeping our children safe. I’m happy members from both sides of the aisle joined me in sponsoring and voting for this bill.”

Yingling’s House Bill 946 creates the Young Adults Heroin Use Task Force, charged with studying the problem of heroin abuse in Illinois and making recommendations for programs high schools can implement to increase education.

The task force will be comprised of seven members of the House and seven members of the Senate, appointed by the legislative leaders in each chamber. There will also be one member from the School Board Association and one member from the Principals Association on the task force. The bill passed both chambers with strong bi-partisan support, Wednesday, and now awaits action by the Governor.

According to the Illinois Consortium on Drug Policy, nearly 3,000 Illinois children between the ages of 12 and 17 will use heroin on any given day. In recent years, emergency room reports mentioning heroin have increased by 8 percent among those under the age of 20, and 23 percent among those under the age of 30. 

“This Task Force will be an important tool in learning more about the growing epidemic of young adult heroin use, and creating a pro-active plan of action moving forward,” Yingling said. “I’m committed to working together with my colleagues and community members to protect our children and improve the quality of life across the state.”

Yingling represents the 62nd District, which contains portions of Gages Lake, Grayslake, Hainesville, the Round Lake communities, Wauconda and Wildwood.

Submitted by Rep. Sam Yingling's Office


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