Bill > HB2357

This bill amends the Illinois Public Demonstrations Law to strengthen regulations around public gatherings and roadway demonstrations. The bill primarily focuses on enhancing law enforcement's ability to manage and control public demonstrations by shifting primary responsibility to county sheriffs for permitting and coordinating such events. Notably, the bill introduces a new criminal provision that makes it a Class 4 felony to block an "exceptionally busy public right-of-way" for five or more minutes in a manner that prevents emergency personnel (peace officers, firefighters, or emergency medical services) from moving freely. The bill defines an "exceptionally busy public right-of-way" as a roadway that typically experiences at least 24,000 motor vehicle movements in a 24-hour period. The legislation explicitly states that neither notification to law enforcement nor the timing or scheduling of an event can be used as a defense against this felony charge. Additionally, the bill preempts home rule, meaning local municipalities cannot create conflicting regulations about public demonstrations. The underlying rationale, as stated in the bill, is to protect public safety, manage traffic disruptions, and ensure emergency services can operate without impediment, particularly given the modern ability to quickly organize demonstrations using internet and smartphone technologies.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2357&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104