Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Quinn signs law inspired by Antioch High students

NEWS-SUN STAFF REPORT August 25, 2011 10:08PM ANTIOCH — Gov. Pat Quinn signed a new state law Wednesday creating a prescription drug collection and disposal program utilizing local law enforcement agencies across Illinois as a drop-off site for the incineration of unused drugs. House Bill 2056, sponsored by Assistant Republican Leader JoAnn Osmond, R-Antioch, was inspired by the work of an Antioch High School student group, whose members traveled to Springfield in March to testify on behalf of the legislation at a House Environmental Health Committee hearing. Four years ago, an innovative Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal program, called P2D2, was launched by students at Pontiac Township High School in downstate Livingston County who were concerned about the threat of prescription drugs polluting local groundwater. The program has since spread to other communities and states. Antioch High students heard about the program and brought the idea to Osmond. “This exceptional initiative will prevent the contamination of our drinking water, protect wildlife, and help keep drugs out of the hands of teens,” Osmond said. “I commend the students from Antioch High School for their hard work in bringing this important issue to the forefront and helping us shape a positive solution for the benefit of everyone in Illinois when it comes to disposing of unused prescription drugs.” Under HB 2056, local law enforcement agencies across the state would be authorized to collect pharmaceuticals from residential sources and incinerate them safely in a manner consistent with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency standards. Law enforcement agencies would recoup the cost of incinerating the drugs through a $20 court fee added to every drug arrest in Illinois. Each police department that participates would be able to get a grant to cover the cost associated with disposal of prescription drugs collected under the program. HB 2056 passed the Illinois House unanimously on April 7 before securing final approval from the state Senate on May 22. Sen. Suzi Schmidt, R-Lake Villa, sponsored the bill in the Senate.

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