Written by Silverstein Staff Thursday, 14 April 2011 11:12
"This measure is in response to a case where an individual who was taking drugs with a friend and the friend began to overdose," Silverstein said. "The friend died because that individual was too afraid to call for emergency assistance because they would go to jail for having drugs." Senate Bill 1701 provides immunity from prosecution for an individual found to possess drugs as a result of the individual seeking medical help for an overdose. Immunity depends on the amount of drugs found on the individual and is only granted to first time offenders. These safeguards will ensure that drug dealers cannot use this law to escape prosecution. "This bill does not let the bad guys go, and immunity does not apply to every individual," Silverstein continued. "But, we do not want to lose someone we love who made a bad decision that caused them to fear seeking help."
Springfield, IL – Legislation that will encourage drug user to seek help for overdoses, sponsored by State Senator Ira I. Silverstein (D – Chicago), has passed the Illinois Senate. The bill exempts individuals from prosecution for possessing drugs when they seek help for a friend’s overdose.
Senator Silverstein Menu
8th District
Majority Caucus Whip
Years served: 1999 - Present
Committee assignments: Committee of the Whole; Financial Institutions; Gaming (Vice-Chairperson); Insurance; Judiciary; Executive (Chairperson); Subcommittee on Ethics (Sub-Chairperson); Subcommittee on State & Local Govt.; Subcommittee on State Regulation.
Biography: Attorney; Degrees from Loyola University in 1982 and John Marshall Law School in 1985; past President of the Northtown Community Council; board member of the Korean Senior Center; member of the Greek Pan-Hellenic Laconian organization; Director of the Bernard Horwich JCC; married (wife, Debra), has four children.