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Bill > HB3601


IL HB3601

IL HB3601
VEH-CD-SCOTT'S LAW-PENALTIES


summary

Introduced
02/07/2025
In Committee
02/18/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

104th General Assembly

Bill Summary

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Increases the penalties for failing to proceed with due caution and yield the right-of-way upon approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle or emergency scene as follows: for a first offense, a fine of not less than $350 (currently $250) or more than $15,000 (currently $10,000) plus a mandatory $500 fine to be deposited into the Scott's Law Fund and any mandatory court costs; for a second or subsequent offense, a fine of not less than $12,500 (currently $750) or more than $20,000 (currently $10,000) plus a mandatory $750 fine to be deposited into the Scott's Law Fund and any mandatory court costs; for damage to another vehicle, a Class 4 felony (currently Class A misdemeanor) and driving privileges suspended for not less than 6 months (currently 90 days) and not more than a year; for injury of another person, a Class 1 felony (currently Class 4 felony) and driving privileges suspended for 2 years (currently not less than 180 days and not more than 2 years); and for death of another person, a Class 1 felony (currently Class 4 felony) and driving privileges permanently revoked (currently suspended for 2 years).

AI Summary

This bill amends the Illinois Vehicle Code, specifically Scott's Law (named after a firefighter killed while responding to an emergency), to increase penalties for drivers who fail to slow down or move over when approaching stationary emergency vehicles. The bill significantly raises fines for violations, with first-time offenders now facing a fine between $350 and $15,000 (previously $250 to $10,000), plus a mandatory $500 deposit into the Scott's Law Fund. Repeat offenders will be subject to fines between $12,500 and $20,000, with a mandatory $750 deposited into the fund. The bill also escalates the criminal charges for violations resulting in damage, injury, or death: damaging another vehicle is now a Class 4 felony (previously a misdemeanor), injuring someone is a Class 1 felony, and causing a death is also a Class 1 felony. Additionally, driving privileges will be suspended for 6 months for property damage, suspended for 2 years for injury, and permanently revoked for a fatal incident. The goal of these increased penalties is to protect emergency responders by ensuring drivers exercise extreme caution when approaching emergency scenes.

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Referred to Rules Committee (on 02/18/2025)

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