WHEATON-DuPageCountyState’s Attorney Joseph E. Birkett announced today that nine legislative initiatives proposed by his office have been signed into law by Governor Quinn. The nine legislative proposals are contained within eight bills the Governor signed into law. With the Governor’s signature on the bills, more than half of Birkett’s 2009 legislative initiatives have become law.
The following legislative initiatives signed into law by the Governor are effective immediately.
SB 1841 - DNA samples required of all IDOC inmates - This proposal requires that any person incarcerated on or after August 22, 2002 in a facility of the Illinois Department of Corrections or the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice who has not yet submitted a DNA sample of blood, saliva or tissue shall be required to submit such a sample prior to his or her final discharge, parole or mandatory supervised release. Persons incarcerated on or after the effective date of SB 1841 shall be required to submit such a sample within 45 days of incarceration.
HB 2651 - Public contractor misconduct ban - Bans persons or corporations from doing business with state or local government or holding public office if found guilty of public contractor misconduct. Permits the Attorney General or State’s Attorney to recover triple damages from offending contractors.
SB 1818 - Increased Penalties for Theft Exceeding $1,000,000 - This proposal makes theft exceeding more than $1,000,000 a Class X felony and provides a sentencing range of 6-30 years in the Department of Corrections.
HB 3885 - Unlawful Manipulation of a Judicial Sale - This proposal is designed to target unscrupulous bidders at judicial sales who conspire with each other to in any way manipulate the outcome. In addition to criminal penalties, this proposal also provides for a private right of action by any person injured by such manipulation, allows for the recovery of treble damages, and excludes offenders from participation in any judicial sale for a period of 5 years.
SB 1814 - Officer Safety Eavesdropping Exception - This proposal expands the officer safety exception in paragraph (g) of the Illinois Eavesdropping Act to authorize eavesdropping in most weapons offenses.
HB 2649 - Tougher Penalties for DUI After a Reckless Homicide Conviction - This proposal provides that a person is guilty of a Class 3 non-probationable felony if a person is convicted of DUI after previously being convicted of reckless homicide or a DUI resulting in death, great bodily harm, or permanent disfigurement of another. This violation is currently a Class 4 felony.
HB 2649 - Trained Phlebotomists May Conduct DUI Blood Draws - This proposal provides that evidence of a person’s blood, urine, breath or other bodily substance concentration of prohibited substances (i.e. alcohol or drugs) is admissible when gathered by a trained phlebotomist, rather than a trained phlebotomist acting under the direction of a licensed physician in any civil or criminal action or proceeding arising out of a DUI arrest.
HB 2650 - Restitution for the Victims of DUI - This amendment specifically makes DUI an offense for which restitution may be ordered.
HB 3950 - Anti-Crime Contribution - The proposal exempts court-ordered payments to local anti-crime programs from being distributed among the state and local units of government involved and various anti-crime funds.
Also signed by Governor Quinn and effective immediately is HB 3676 which Birkett’s office helped draft and strongly supports. HB 3676 includes the offenses of Grooming and Traveling to Meet a Minor to the sex offender registration list.
“I am extremely proud that we were able to get these important legislative proposals passed into law,” commented Birkett. “These new laws will go a long way in protecting the public and saving lives. With input from my office, law enforcement and concerned citizens, we continue to improve the quality of life for citizens throughout Illinois. We have also implemented important safeguards aimed at protecting every member of society and increased penalties to truly hold offenders accountable for their actions. I would like to thank members of the Senate and the House from both sides of the aisle for their bi-partisan support particularly Senators John Millner (R-Carol Stream), Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge), Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) and Randy Hultgren (R-Winfield) as well as Representatives Dennis Reboletti (R-Addison), Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights), Emily McAsey (D-Lockport), Linda Chapa LaVia (D-Aurora), Bob Pritchard (R-Sycamore) and Susana Mendoza (D-Chicago) for their support.”
