TAYLORVILLE, Ill. (AP) — Gov. Bruce Rauner has signed legislation banning the sale of synthetic drugs known as “bath salts” in Illinois.

Rauner traveled Monday to the courthouse in Taylorville, about 25 miles southeast of Springfield, to sign 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 that takes effect Jan.1 makes selling bath salts a felony punishable with a fine of up to $150,000.

The Republican governor 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.