SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce supported a proposal that would address the rise in synthetic opioids, along with other synthetic drugs.

“The rise in new synthetic opioids is a threat to our communities that we cannot ignore,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This legislation has taken years’ worth of work and dedication, and I am proud to see it moving in the right direction.”

Joyce is co-sponsoring the proposal, brought by the Illinois State Police, in response to the steep increase in Xylazine related drug overdoses reported in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Public Health reported that Xylazine related overdose deaths increased from two reported deaths in 2018, to 45 in 2020 and 155 deaths in 2021.

Senate Bill 1773 would make Xylazine a class 3 controlled substance. Xylazine, also called “tranq,” is a tranquilizer most commonly used for veterinary purposes which has been increasingly found in the illicit drug supply. According to the CDC, Xylazine is especially dangerous when combined with opioids like Fentanyl. Making Xylazine a controlled substance would raise the penalties for possessing, manufacturing or distributing the drug.

Joyce has been working on this proposal for years, he previously filed similar legislation in 2024.

Senate Bill 1773 passed the Senate Criminal Law Committee with bipartisan support on Wednesday.