By Haley Kosik/WJEZ News

If the governor signs an anti-heroin bill, it would be one of the legislative highlights for Illinois lawmakers in 2015.

Heroin is the drug cited most frequently when addicts are admitted for treatment said bill sponsor, State Sen. Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge).

“In the most recent year available, about 1,200 people died from drug deaths. That’s more than die from gun violence, and almost as many die from motor vehicle incidents,” said Kotowski.

While others were concerned about the $58 million cost of the package – which is subject to appropriation – Kotowski said the current setup is more costly.

“We spend about $120 million a year on drug addiction treatment, and that doesn’t cover the deaths, arrests, incarcerations, or lost productivity,” he said.

The bill includes regulations about the prescription, dispensing, and disposal of opioids, coverage of treatment, and the promotion of counteracting drugs.

The bill awaits for Governor Bruce Rauner’s approval.