CHICAGO – Street sideshows are becoming increasingly common in Chicago, halting traffic and creating dangerous situations for both bystanders and their vehicles alike. However, currently, there’s little action law enforcement officials can take against people participating.

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That will change come January when Assistance Majority Leader Tony Munoz’ law that prohibits street sideshows takes effect.

“It seems like every weekend we see another case of dozens – or even hundreds – of people gathering on busy streets and putting other people’s lives at risk,” said Munoz (D-Chicago). “Not only is it frustrating for people trying to travel down those roads, it’s frustrating for law enforcement officers who aren’t currently allowed to take action.’

Munoz led House Bill 5439 during the spring legislative session. The law defines a street sideshow as any event in which one or more cars block or impede traffic to perform unauthorized motor vehicle stunts, motor vehicle speed contests, or motor vehicle exhibitions of speed.

Munoz’ law prohibits a street sideshow on any street or highway in Illinois and a person may not knowingly cause the movement of traffic to slow or stop for the purpose of facilitating street racing or a street sideshow. Under the previous law, people cannot be arrested for blocking a street or highway.

The law penalizes the impediment of traffic for a street sideshow or street racing in the same manner as the act of street racing. The first violation is considered a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a determinate sentence of less than one year and a minimum fine of $250. A second or subsequent violation is considered a Class 4 felony punishable by a sentence of one to three years and a minimum fine of $500.

“We must provide police officers with the tools they needs to best serve our communities,” Munoz said. “This law does just that and will make our streets safer for all. The time to stop this nonsense is now.”

House Bill 5439 takes effect Jan. 1, 2023.

CHICAGO – The Illinois Veterans’ Home at Quincy will receive nearly $195 million to upgrade the facility, Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz announced Wednesday. Senator Munoz

“As a veteran, I have fought to ensure veterans have the essential resources they need when they return home,” said Munoz (D-Chicago). “This long-awaited upgrade invests in our veterans who fought for our freedom and rely on these services.”

Illinois received nearly $195 million from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to enhance the Illinois Veteran’s Home at Quincy. The funding will be used for campus reconstruction and replacement of the current veterans’ home with a 210-bed skilled care facility.

In addition, 80 independent rooms will be created which will modernize the campus and provide a cost effective, state-of-the art facility with single rooms and a more intimate setting for veterans needing skilled nursing care.

“Veterans have been a top priority in my legislative agenda and as the chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee,” Munoz said. “This investment will make a significant impact on the lives of our state’s veterans.”

The building construction grant comes from a federal-state partnership between the federal VA, Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Capital Development Board. The project is currently in progress with the completion targeted for the end of 2024.

SPRINGFIELD – Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) spearheaded a measure to help reduce the number of stolen car parts by requiring people to keep record of the sale of catalytic converters that was signed into law Friday.Senator Munoz

“The rise in crime in Chicago and across Illinois was addressed this legislative session,” Munoz said. “This new law will decrease catalytic converter thefts by closing the loophole many found a way around.”

The new law adds catalytic converters to the definition of recyclable metal, requiring record keeping on the purchase of catalytic converters. The license plate number of the vehicle, photographs or video of the seller, a verified name and address of the seller, and a signed declaration by the seller stating that the catalytic converter was not stolen are required.

In addition, the measure prohibits a recyclable metal dealer from purchasing a catalytic converter with a value over $100 with cash.

According to a recent State Farm study, Illinois ranks in the top five states in the nation for catalytic converter thefts.

“I’m hopeful innocent people won’t be affected by this senseless crime anymore,” Munoz said. “We need to keep our streets safe, and this is one way we will do that.”

The new law takes effect immediately.

Senator MunozCHICAGO – Military sexual violence survivors will be protected and perpetrators will be held accountable thanks to a measure led by Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz that was signed into law Thursday.

“As a U.S. Army veteran, I understand the importance of protecting the members of our armed forces,” said Munoz (D-Chicago). “This new law will help fight sexual and domestic violence within the military to protect airmen, marines and soldiers across Illinois.”

Senate Bill 257 extends the authority of military protection orders beyond military locations, ensuring survivors receive full protection no matter where they are and that perpetrators can be held accountable. Survivors will be provided with additional employment protections as they recover.

Military protection orders are issued by military tribunals to protect survivors of military sexual or domestic violence from the alleged perpetrator of that violence by restricting the perpetrator’s contact with the survivor. The new law will allow military legal authorities to file military protection orders with Illinois courts and give those orders the same authority as a civilian protection order issued by a circuit court within Illinois. Additionally, giving local and state police the authority to enforce the military protection order within Illinois.

“Protecting military sexual violence survivors is vital for their safety and recovery,” Munoz said. “I’m proud of the work and dedication from Representative Kifowit and other stakeholders that allowed us to work together to protect the people serving in the military.”

The new law takes effect immediately.

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