IL HR0883

Declares a Heroin State of Emergency in Illinois, citing record heroin-related deaths across the state including 48 deaths in Lake County (2012), 46 in DuPage County (2013), and 53 in Will County (2012).

Documents a 21% increase in fatal heroin overdoses nationwide from 2006 to 2010, with heroin addiction in Vermont up 770% since 2000.

Notes state funding for prevention has been reduced 88% and treatment by 42% over the past 6 years while the heroin crisis has escalated.

Identifies prescription opioid addiction as a precursor to heroin use and cites the availability of cheap heroin laced with fentanyl as contributing to rising fatalities.

Directs the House Task Force on Heroin Crisis to develop a comprehensive legislative package to combat the heroin crisis and requires copies be sent to the Governor, state officials, and legislative leaders.