A trio of southern Illinois Republicans have joined together in opposition of a House Bill that was approved by a slim majority yesterday. State Representatives Dave Severin of Benton, Patrick Windhorst of Metropolis, and Pomona’s Paul Jacobs issued a joint statement resisting House Bill 3447.
The legislation would drop the penalty for possession of 3 grams or less for most Schedule I and II controlled substances from a felony to a misdemeanor. Included in the list are the drugs fentanyl, meth, heroin, ecstasy, cocaine, LSD, and opiates.
The men called it a dangerous shift in public policy they fear will exacerbate the current drug problems plaguing communities.
