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"SCOTT'S
LAW" Passes With Flying Colors
March
23, 2001
Des
Plaines…In an effort to protect safety workers across
the state, State Representative Rosemary Mulligan (R-Des
Plaines) joined in support of House Bill 180, known as "Scott's
Law". The legislation passed the house with overwhelming
support.
"This
legislation will protect those who protect our communities.
Our society seems to always be in a hurry and many people
will disregard emergency scenes," said Mulligan. "Hopefully
this legislation will make people more aware of dangerous
situations and avoid further tragedies."
Named
after slain Chicago Firefighter Lt. Scott Gillen, the bill
increases penalties for drivers who fail to yield to emergency
vehicles or who cause accidents or injury to personnel at
emergency scenes. Offenders could be fined up to $10,000
and receive a license suspension ranging from 90 days if
the violation causes property damage to as much as two years
if the violation results in the death of another person.
The bill is similar to Indiana's Shoulder Responsibility
Law.
Rep.
Mulligan was joined on the House floor by Park Ridge Fire
Chief Ed Dubowski, a proponent of the bill, as members passed
"Scott's Law" (HB 180) on a vote of 113-0.
Sam
Nolen, Director of the Illinois State Police, supported
the legislation and commented that 162 accidents involved
state troopers and motorists occurred since 1998, including
88 accidents involved parked police vehicles and 65 accidents
involved the injury of troopers and motorists. Reckless
motorists have killed more than 200 police officers nationwide.
"Scott's
Law" also would cover Illinois highway maintenance
personnel who risk their lives on a daily basis.
In addition
to Chicago Fire Commissioner James Joyce and the Gillen
family, supporters of "Scott's Law" include: the
Chicago Firefighters Union, Northern Illinois Fire Protection
Districts, Illinois Association of Fire Protection Districts,
Illinois Fire Chiefs Association, Illinois Fire and Police
Commissioners Association, State Fire Marshall, Southwest
Illinois Firefighters Association, Associated Firefighters
of Illinois, Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois
Conference of Teamsters, who represent IDOT highway personnel;
Illinois Sheriffs Association, Illinois State Police, Illinois
Chiefs of Police Association, Fraternal Order of Police
and the Metropolitan Alliance of Police.
The
legislation now awaits passage in the Illinois Senate.
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