Public Safety Laws Taking Effect Jan. 1

[December 31, 2007]  CHICAGO -- On Sunday, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich announced four new public safety laws, going into effect Jan. 1, that are designed to protect Illinoisans from danger and crime. Together they strengthen penalties for attempting to possess key ingredients to make methamphetamines, strengthen penalties for identify theft and protect communities from sex offenders.

Senate Bill 274 targets meth production in Illinois. Senate Bill 274, sponsored by state Sen. Larry Bomke, R-Springfield, and state Rep. Jil Tracy, R- Quincy, strengthens penalties against those who attempt to illegally obtain anhydrous ammonia, a farm fertilizer and key ingredient used to manufacture methamphetamine.

"Meth is a highly addictive drug that threatens families and entire communities," Blagojevich said. "This new law will help keep this hazardous chemical out of the hands of meth makers and to keep this dangerous drug out of our state."

The law furthers the governor's efforts to reduce the production and manufacture of the illicit drug. Throughout his administration, Blagojevich has taken several actions to make it harder for meth producers to obtain ingredients, and to stiffen penalties for manufacturers and users.

In an effort to protect the rights and honor of men and women serving in the armed forces, House Bill 1236 increases punishment for those who steal the identity of active-duty military personnel. House Bill 1236, sponsored by state Rep. Jil Tracy, R-Quincy, and state Sen. John O. Jones, R-Mount Vernon, increases the punishment against criminals who steal the identity of an active-duty member of the armed and Reserve services or a member of the Illinois National Guard serving in a foreign country.

Senate Bill 132 increases punishment for criminals who impersonate public employees. Senate Bill 132, sponsored by state Sen. John O. Jones, R-Mount Vernon, and state Rep. David Reis, R-Olney, targets criminals who falsely represent themselves as an employee or official of the federal government.

House Bill 156 includes stricter guidelines to protect Illinois families and communities from sex offenders. House Bill 156, sponsored by state Sen. Randall M. Hultgren, R-Wheaton, and state Rep. David Reis, R-Olney, prohibits any sex offender from employment at any county fair or carnival where youth under the age of 18 are present.

"We have to do everything in our power to protect our children and communities from sexual predators," Blagojevich said. "No parent should have to worry about their children being exposed to this kind of danger, especially in a place as appealing as a fairground. These offenders simply have no business working around children."

[Text from file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]