Legislation to protect buyers of trailer homes from purchasing former methamphetamine labs, sponosored by State Senator Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington), and Representative Josh Harms (R-Watseka) has been signed into law by Governor Pat Quinn.

Barickman introduced Senate Bill 2101 after a family from Normal came to him after buying a trailer home that had previously been used to produce meth. The meth lab use was not disclosed to the family by the park owner before purchase. It is expected that cleanup of the home will cost thousands of dollars more than the purchase price.

"This new law demonstrates that even in the minority, we can still make meaningful improvements to people's lives. This won't cost the government any money, had the support of the business community, and protects consumers," said Senator Barickman. "We need to make sure families, and especially young children, don't live in toxic, hazardous environments. I'm hopeful this new law will help keep people safe."

Rep. Harms sponsored the measure in the Illinois House. The law will require record-keeping to protect consumers.

Under the legislation, if the operator of a trailer park who fails to disclose that a trailer was used as a meth lab could face a $2,000 fine.

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