Bill > HB1719

This bill amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to increase the criminal penalties for aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer. Specifically, the bill changes the severity of the offense for first and subsequent convictions. A first offense of aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer will now be classified as a Class 2 felony, upgraded from the previous Class 4 felony. For second or subsequent offenses, the classification is increased to a Class 1 felony, instead of the previous Class 3 felony. The bill defines aggravated fleeing as occurring when a driver flees from a police officer after being signaled to stop, and the flight involves one of five specific aggravating circumstances: driving at least 21 miles per hour over the speed limit, causing bodily injury, causing property damage over $300, disobeying two or more traffic control devices, or concealing or altering the vehicle's registration plate. These changes represent a significant escalation in legal consequences for individuals who attempt to evade law enforcement while driving.