Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner has signed legislation banning the sale of synthetic drugs known as ‘bath salts’ in the state. Rauner signed the bill aimed at curbing what he called an ‘epidemic’ afflicting rural communities.
Most states have passed laws to ban the chemicals, which mimic the effects of powerful drugs like cocaine. The bill takes effect January 1st and makes selling bath salts a felony punishable with a fine of up to $150,000.
Rauner signed the bill on the same day the Republican National Convention began in Cleveland. Rauner said last week he is not attending the convention because he is traveling the state signing bills that lawmakers passed this year.