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State Sen. Larry Bomke, R-Springfield, applauded the approval of the
"Let Them Rest in Peace Act" legislation --
Senate Bill 1144,
Public Act 94-0772 -- crafted in response to disruptive and
antagonistic picketing outside of military funerals in Illinois.
The new law went into effect immediately and will prohibit loud
and inflammatory protests within 200 feet of all Illinois funeral
services, beginning 30 minutes before a funeral begins and extending
until 30 minutes after the funeral concludes. Republican lawmakers
strongly supported the initiative, which will allow the families of
fallen American soldiers to mourn their loved ones in peace.
Earlier in the week, a ban prohibiting smoking in all public and
private college dorms was signed into law. The measure --
Senate Bill 2465,
Public Act 94-0770 -- was a response to ongoing health and
safety concerns related to smoking.
Supporters of the initiative reasoned that cigarettes not only
pose personal and public health concerns, but are also a leading
cause of fires in college dorms. By banning smoking in dorm rooms,
advocates believe future fire-related tragedies will be avoided. The
new law also extends to fraternity and sorority houses that are
owned and operated by the university, as well as dining areas,
restrooms and laundry areas.
In an effort to reduce accidents at Illinois' railroad crossings,
legislation was enacted that will allow cameras to be placed at
grade crossings. The new law --
Senate Bill 2865,
Public Act 0771 -- authorizes the Illinois Commerce Commission
and the Department of Transportation to work with local law
enforcement to establish a system of automated enforcement.
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 Bomke explained that despite current precautions at railroad
crossings, such as lowered gates and warning signals, motorists
continued to drive around the gates, potentially endangering their
lives and the lives of others. Lawmakers anticipate that by placing
cameras at railroad crossings, motorists will be discouraged from
driving around warning and safety devices.
Similar to cameras at some intersections in Illinois, these
cameras will obtain a clear photograph of the vehicle, as well as
the vehicle operator and the vehicle license plate. The photo will
display the time, date and location of the violation, and the
registered owner of the vehicle will receive a ticket in the mail,
including information regarding the first available court date and
an explanation of how to pay the fine or challenge the ticket. If
the owner was not driving the vehicle, the police will issue a
ticket to the person the vehicle owner alleges was driving the
vehicle. The first violation of the law will result in a fine of
$250; however, repeat offenses carry a fine of $500 and possible
suspended registration.
Additionally, legislation signed into law this week includes:
Jake brakes (House Bill 2497, Public Act 94-0796) -- Permits
counties and municipalities to post signs that prohibit a truck
driver from using a "jake brake," an engine braking system that
emits excessive noise.
Tax checkoff (Senate Bill 2579, Public Act 94-0773) -- Creates an
income tax checkoff for contributions to the Energy Assistance
Program Fund.
[News release from
Illinois
Senate Republicans] |
