Illinois House committee approves bill enhancing penalties for xylazine possession, distribution

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois House could crack down on the growing threat of dangerous synthetic drugs by adding a powerful animal tranquilizer to the list of Schedule III controlled substances. Sponsors and advocates say xylazine has been seen in a disturbing rise of overdose cases.

Xylazine is not approved for human use, but experts say the tranquilizer has been cut into fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin to enhance the effect of those drugs. Senate Bill 1773 could strengthen criminal penalties for unlawful possession or distribution of xylazine to give law enforcement and public health leaders the tools they need to respond.

"It's just as possible to overdose on xylazine as it is on an opioid," said Amanda Shanbaum, laboratory director for the Illinois State Police. "Medical examiners have been keeping statistics on it. The difference is that xylazine is not affected by naloxone."

Xylazine was detected in 45 overdose deaths in 2020 and in more than 200 deaths in 2022, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. However, the ACLU of Illinois strongly opposes the legislation as attorneys argue this bill will punish people instead of getting the drug off the street.

"Let's be clear, the majority of individuals arrested for drug possession are not kingpins or high-level traffickers," said ACLU attorney Ben Ruddell. "Rather, they are often unhoused, unemployed, survivors of trauma, and struggling with substance use disorder."

The ACLU suggested lawmakers should expand access to medication for opioid abuse disorder, fund harm reduction programs, invest in drug checking, and de-felonize personal possession of drugs.

Yet, some Democrats and Republicans took offense to accusations they are doing nothing to help with overdose prevention.

"I understand we can find ways of making it not as hard on the users, but we have to find a way of getting this crap to stop," said Rep. John Cabello (R-Machesney Park). "I can tell you my community has been hugely impacted by drugs. I've been on those streets. I've been talking to those families for years."

Senate Bill 1773 passed out of the House Judiciary-Criminal Committee on a 11-1 vote Friday. The measure could be called for a vote on the House floor as early as this week.