2014 will ring in hundreds of new laws. Over the next five days we will recap 25 of them. Some you may have heard about, others you may be just learning about now. Follow the links to read the law in its entirety.
Second in a five part series:
Patricia’s Law
HB 1010 (PA 98-169) – Also known as “Patricia’s Law”, HB 1010 prohibits court supervision in cases where the defendant’s violation of the Illinois Vehicle Code or a similar local ordinance was the proximate cause of the death of another person if the defendant has a prior conviction or supervision for a moving violation, suspension revocation or cancellation of his or her license.
Sexual Assault of a Child
HB 1063 (PA 98-379) – Allows prosecution of sexual assault of a child under 18 to commence at any time when corroborating physical evidence is available or when someone required to report an alleged or suspected commission of sexual assault of a child fails to do so.
No Cell Phones While Driving
HB 1247 (PA 98-506) – Bans the use of cell phones while driving. Exemptions from the ban include the use of hands-free devices, two-way radios, and electronic devices capable of performing multiple functions as long as the devices are not used for a prohibited purpose. Specifies that a first offense is not a moving violation. More details.
Recording Assaults
HB 1309 (PA 98-385) – Expands the definition of aggravated assault or aggravated battery to include persons who knowingly video or audio record the offense with the intent to disseminate the recording. Aggravated assault under these circumstances is a Class A misdemeanor, aggravated battery is a Class 3 felony.
Driving While Using a Video Device
HB 2585 (PA 98-507) – Creates an aggravated offense for driving while using a video device, cell phone or other electronic communication device. If the driver using the device is involved in an accident which causes great bodily harm, or permanent disability or disfigurement to another person, with the use of the device being a proximate cause of the injury, that person may be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. If that accident results in the death of another person, the offender is guilty of a Class 4 felony.
New Illinois Laws - Part 1
New Illinois Laws - Part 3
New Illinois Laws - Part 4
New Illinois Laws - Part 5