SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois House passed a bill Thursday to help provide naloxone to people leaving jails and prisons who were incarcerated for drug-related charges or have a substance use disorder.
Sponsors said overdose cases are dropping overall, but there are still high numbers for college students, Native Americans and people reentering society. Experts say there's a higher chance of overdosing in the first 72 hours after someone leaves prison or jail.
"As the Narcan provider is a primary vendor with the state, they have a direct partnership to handle all shipping and storage, removing the burden from local organizations," said Rep. Justin Slaughter (D-Chicago).
The Illinois Sheriff's Association believes this will be an unfunded mandate for county jails. Yet, Slaughter said opioid settlement funds can help cover the cost.
House Bill 5302 passed out of the House on a 77-29 vote. It now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
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