Lee Milner / Illinois Times / Capitol News Illinois
Originally published on April 22, 2021 2:06 pm
A bill to lessen penalties for possessing and selling small amounts of drugs, including heroin and cocaine, narrowly passed out of the state House of Representatives on Wednesday after a contentious debate.
The discussion over House Bill 3447 provoked strong emotions on both sides of the aisle, passing by a 61-49 vote, or just one more than was needed to pass.
The bill filed by Rep. Carol Ammons, an Urbana Democrat would reclassify small amounts of drug possession from a low-level felony to a misdemeanor.
For example, a person who possesses less than three grams of heroin would be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. Currently, that offense would be charged as a Class 4 felony, which carries a one- to four-year prison sentence.
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