News

The Illinois Chamber would like to alert members regarding our concern with provision within HB3653, the criminal justice reform legislation passed last month during the lame duck session.

Our friends at the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police released the following information concerning private property rights and trespassers:

Why Illinois citizens should be concerned about HB 3653

There is language in the bill that will endanger our communities and make citizens in towns and cities of every size feel less safe. For example, if this bill is signed:

• If you call the police because an unwanted person is peeking in your windows or standing in your yard or place of business and you don’t want them there for a legitimate reason, you can call the police, but the police will not be able to physically remove that person. All they can do is issue a citation (like a traffic ticket). Then, if the unwanted person still doesn’t leave and is not being threatening, the police will have no authority to arrest them or get them to “move along.” This applies to all Class B and Class C misdemeanors. Page 326.

Here at the Chamber, our ultimate concern is that businesses will no longer be able to remove trespassing individuals disruptive to operations. Whether that be our refineries, factories, financial centers, or local restaurants. It is imperative that businesses of all sizes and sectors have the ability to remove uncooperative or unwanted persons, whether they be protestors, dissatisfied customers, or politically-motivated actors.

If you have any concerns or questions regarding this provision within HB 3653 please contact us at ckaericher@ilchamber.org