SPRINGFIELD - Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed legislation Tuesday restricting the sale of cold medicine containing a key ingredient for making methamphetamine.

Senate Bill 2244 limits the sale of over-the-counter medicines containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, a major component in making the highly addictive stimulant.

"This new law will make it harder for meth manufacturers to get the ingredients they need to make the drug, and, ultimately, will cut down on the number of dangerous meth labs that have sprung up around the state," Blagojevich said in a prepared statement.

As of January 2005, customers will be limited to buying two packages at a time. Retailers will be required to keep the medicine in a locked display case or behind the counter.

Retailers that knowingly sell the tablets to meth addicts could face fines. For a first offense, a person could be charged with a misdemeanor and a $500 fine. For each additional violation, a retailer could be charged with a felony and fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.

The new law was heralded by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan as well as several downstate legislators.

"Methamphetamine is not just a problem; it's a plague. We must fight its production and use every resource available," Madigan said in a prepared statement.

The state's methamphetamine problem has exploded over the past several years. In 2000, the Illinois State Police busted 403 labs. In 2003, state and federal law enforcement uncovered 1,099 labs.

State Rep. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, said there are many recipes for making methamphetamine, but they all require pseudoephedrine or ephedrine.

Rose said the new law should reduce the numbers of meth labs. However, it will not stop people from going to neighboring states or buying ingredients over the Internet, he said.

State Sen. Dale Righter, R-Mattoon, and state Rep. Bob Flider, D-Mount Zion, co-sponsored the proposal.

The law also shields business owners, who are unaware of their employee's actions, from prosecution. Retailers will also be required to train new employees about the new laws and show proof the training took place.

Matt Adrian can be reached at matt.adrian@;lee.net or 789-0865.