KEY TRAFFIC SAFETY, OTHER LEGISLATION SENT TO GOVERNOR By SECRETARY OF STATE GEORGE H. RYAN

Two key pieces of traffic safety-legislation that I proposed — barring heavy trucks from using radar detectors and creating "drug-free" truck stop zones — passed the General Assembly at the close of the spring legislative session.

On the deadline for this "Illinois Municipal Review," both measures were awaiting the governor's signature, along with legislation that would impose new limits on drunk drivers, create a new Illinois business entity and put Illinois' literacy efforts into law.

The "fuzzbuster" legislation passed the Senate after it was amended to lower the fine for a repeat offense from $250 to $100. The penalty for a first offense remains $50. In addition, police officers could seize only radar jammers (devices that impede police radar) on a first offense, but could take detectors on a repeat offense.

If signed into law, the measure will require drivers of heavy trucks and large passenger buses to place radar detectors in locked compartments or outside the cab of the vehicle.

The measure. House Bill 3707, also was amended to allow police officers to write tickets for radar detector violations only when stopping a vehicle for another violation.

House sponsors were Reps. Alfred G. Ronan (D-Chicago), Donald N. Hensel (R-West Chicago) and Ralph C. Capparelli (D-Chicago). Sponsors in the Senate were Sens. Calvin W. Schuneman (R-Prophetstown) and John Cullerton (D-Chicago).

Legislation creating "drug-free" truck stop zones passed the General Assembly after it was amended to impose harsh new penalties only on repeat offenders.

As now proposed, anyone caught selling drugs or counterfeits within 1,000 feet of a truck stop or rest area would face penalties ranging up to a Class 1 felony. The maximum penalty doubles upon a second conviction, meaning an offender could face up to 30 years in prison.

If the bill is signed, Illinois would become the first state in the nation to create the "drug-free" truck stop zones. Similar legislation is pending in Congress, and the measure was backed by my Safe Trucking Task Force and the Illinois Truck Stop Association. The measure was included in House Bill 3598.

Other legislation awaiting the governor's approval includes:

• A "child endangerment" measure that mandates a $500 fine and community service for drivers convicted of drunk driving with a passenger under age 16 in their vehicles.

The measure, Senate Bill 2170, passed after it was amended to let counties impose an additional $100 fee for repeat drunk driving violations. Proceeds would be used for drug and alcohol education.

Senate sponsors were Sens. William F. Mahar (R-Orland Park) and Cullerton. House sponsors were Reps. Dan Cronin (R-Elmhurst), Ronan, Hensel, Vincent A. Persico (R-Carol Stream) and John C. "Jack" McGuire (D-Joliet).

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• The "one-in-10" proposal that limits a drunk driver to receiving court supervision only once every 10 years, rather than once every five years, as now allowed. The measure is expected to help identify and penalize more repeat DUI offenders.

Sponsors of SB 2169 were Sens. Robert M. Raica (R-Chicago) and Cullerton. House sponsors were Reps. Cronin, Ronan, Hensel, Jeffrey Schoenberg (D-Evanston) and David Hultgren (R-Monmouth).

• The Illinois Literacy Act that positions the state to receive additional federal funding for literacy programs and puts current efforts into state law. The act also lets taxpayers donate portions of their state income tax refunds to literacy programs.

Sponsors of SB 2161 were Sens. Harlan Rigney (R-Freeport), Doris Karpiel (R-Carol Stream) and James "Pate" Philip (R-Wood Dale). House sponsors were Reps. Thomas W. Ryder (R-Jerseyville), Mary Lou Cowlishaw (R-Naperville), Karen Hasara (R-Springfield), Andrew McGann (D-Chicago) and Geoffrey S. Obrzut (D-Northlake).

• A proposal creating a new business entity, called a limited liability company, offering the tax advantages of a partnership and the legal protection of a corporation.

The measure, Senate Bill 2163, should spur new investment in Illinois, raising new revenue and creating jobs. Most likely to benefit are ventures involving foreign investment and small, closely held businesses, including family farms.

Senate sponsors were Sens. David Barkhausen (R-Lake Bluff), John Davidson (R-Springfield), Aldo DeAngelis (R-Olympia Fields) and Tom Dunn (D-Joliet). House sponsors were Reps. Robert Churchill (R-Lake Villa) and Lee Preston (D-Chicago).

The past few months have been dominated by discussions of this state's budget problems and the third airport. But the fact is that legislators made some real progress in efforts to promote traffic safety, business investment and literacy. •

Page 20 / Illinois Municipal Review / August 1992