Illinois Senate Republicans introduce package of bills to fight crime, empower victims

Posted on April 25, 2023
State Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) at the mic. (Dave Dahl)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Senate Republicans have a package of bills which they say will put the priority back on the victims.

“Over the last several years,” said State Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg), “Illinois has seen policies and proposals that prioritize criminals, while seemingly making victims out to be second-class citizens.

“This is wrong.”

Bills Senate Republicans discussed during an online news conference Monday include changing “fentanyl overdose” to “fentanyl poisoning” as a cause of death, a move intended to remove the stigma from a drug many people do not even know they are taking. Another bill expands availability of test strips people can use so they can determine whether they are taking fentanyl.

Other bills call for a blended sentencing guideline when multiple people are hurt in a DUI crash; increase penalties for dealing fentanyl, and put day care centers on a par with schools when threats are made.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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