Governor Signs Stronger DUI, Social Hosting Laws At Police Chiefs Conference
TINLEY PARK, Ill., Aug. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor Pat Quinn signed two bills at the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police's (ILACP) annual Midwest Security and Police Conference and Expo today that increase penalties for drunk driving and "social hosting" of alcohol for minors, and strengthen local drunk driving law enforcement efforts.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111215/CG23286LOGO)
"The Illinois law enforcement community supports the increase in penalties for second and subsequent DUI (driving under the influence) convictions, and earmarking those funds specifically for local police enforcement of impaired driving laws," said ILACP President Timothy J. Swanson, Chief of Municipal Policing for the Kankakee County Sheriffs Police. Previously, DUI fines went to general municipal budgets. The new law, HB5021, requires that all funds received as a result of DUI convictions be directed to local law enforcement agencies for alcohol-related crime prevention and enforcement, including officer training and equipment.
"More than 40 percent of traffic deaths in Illinois are a result of drunk driving," Swanson noted. "Every 30 minutes, someone in America dies because of an impaired driver and every two minutes, someone is injured. This law will strengthen local law enforcement's efforts to reduce these incidents."
Governor Quinn also signed HB1554 at the ILACP conference, which makes it a misdemeanor carrying a $500 fine for any adult to knowingly permit minors under the age of 21 to drink alcohol on their property or in their home. If the violation results in bodily harm or death, the adult will be charged with a felony.
"Public safety is always our top priority," Governor Quinn said. "These laws will strengthen our efforts to prevent DUI-related crimes and send a strong message that it is always unacceptable to allow underage drinking."
The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police is a professional organization representing Chiefs of Police and other leaders of police and public safety organizations in Illinois. More than 1,200 Police Chiefs and other officers attended the organization's conference in Tinley Park on August 21-22.
SOURCE Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police
WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?
Newsrooms &
Influencers
Digital Media
Outlets
Journalists
Opted In
Share this article