SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Two Illinois lawmakers plan to propose bipartisan legislation Monday to combat growing heroin and prescription drug abuse.

Democratic Rep. Lou Lang and Republican Rep. John Anthony say their bill follows a panel of lawmakers’ meetings around the state to learn more about a rise in heroin use and its correlation to prescription drug abuse.

The legislation would require drugs combatting heroin overdoses to be dispensed and administered more widely. It would require the state board of education to develop a heroin and opiate drug prevention program. It would also designate pharmacies to take back unused painkillers.

 

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