Metro East Sun

State Representative Charlie Meier, along with several colleagues from the General Assembly, is calling for a hearing during the 2024 Veto Session to address drug exposure issues at Illinois Department of Corrections facilities.

“We need answers and solutions immediately,” said Rep. Meier. “If the reports from the last several weeks are true, the situation is getting worse. A hearing would give all relevant stakeholders – including DOC leadership, law enforcement officials, correctional staff, medical experts, and my constituents – the opportunity to illustrate the effect that this problem continues to have.”

Incidents of drug exposure in multiple correctional facilities have led to illness and injury among inmates and staff. Staff members at several southern Illinois prisons required treatment at area hospitals due to exposure.

“I refuse to sit idly by while both the staff and inmates are put in harm’s way,” Meier continued. “If these drugs are coming in through the mail, there should be an immediate suspension of the mail services until proper protocols are established to prevent exposure. Until we get to that point, mail can be scanned electronically. Please pray for our prison workers and inmates who are being innocently subjected to these life-threatening exposures.”

A letter was sent to the Democratic Chairs of the House and Senate Public Safety Appropriations committees. State Representatives John Cabello (R-Machesney Park), Dave Severin (R-Benton), Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis), Paul Jacobs (R-Pomona), along with Senator Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) joined Meier in requesting a bicameral hearing on these concerns. The 2024 Veto Session is set to begin next Tuesday, November 12th.