Munoz leads measures to prevent roadway fatalities (VIDEO)

SPRINGFIELD – To prevent more tragic losses of emergency responders and highway workers, Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) announced legislation Tuesday that strengthens Scott’s Law and finds a way to end senseless roadway fatalities.

“As a former police officer, I know the life-threatening situations facing law enforcement every day, and I’m proud this legislation will protect and serve our brave men and women in uniform,” Munoz said. “We can’t afford to lose any more lives, so I implore all drivers to slow down and move over when you see first responders on the roads.”

This year, Troopers Christopher Lambert, Brooke Jones-Story and Gerald Ellis paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the line of duty. The law was initially passed in memory of Lieutenant Scott Gillen.

Senate Bill 1862, as amended, takes the following steps to strengthen Scott’s Law:

• Expands Scott’s Law protections to include a stationary authorized vehicle with oscillating lights, first responders, IDOT workers, law enforcement officers and any individual authorized to be on the highway within the scope of their employment or job duties;
• Increases the minimum fine to $250 for a first violation of Scott’s Law and to $750 for a subsequent violation;
• Adds $250 assessment fee for any violation of Scott’s Law to be deposited into a new dedicated fund for producing driver education materials, called the Scott’s Law Fund;
• Increases criminal penalty to a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail, if violation results in damage to another vehicle or a Class 4 felony, punishable by up to one to three years in prison, if violation results in an injury or death of another person;
• Amends the Criminal Code of 2012 to include firefighter and emergency medical service personnel while acting within the scope of their official duties;
• Adds aggravating factors to reckless homicide charges if Scott’s Law is violated;
• Requires the Secretary of State to include written question on Scott’s Law in driver’s license test.

A second piece of legislation, SB 2038, creates a Move Over Task Force to study the issue of violations of Scott’s Law, disabled vehicle law, and stationary authorized emergency vehicle law, with attention to the causes of the violations and ways to protect law enforcement and emergency responders.

Both measures are currently in the House and would require the Senate’s approval before being sent to the governor.