Springfield – A measure designed to provide law enforcement with additional resources to combat carjackings advanced out of the Senate thanks to the efforts of State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago).
“The rise in carjackings is disturbing and far too often, arrests are not made and the victims are denied justice,” Martwick said.
House Bill 3699 expands the Illinois Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Act to include vehicle hijacking. Under the legislation, the Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Council – made up of representatives from law enforcement, state’s attorneys and the insurance industry – would be tasked with working together to reduce carjackings.
A recent study from the Children Family Justice Center at Northwestern University found that most carjackings do not result in an arrest, and in Chicago, only 5 to 10% of carjackers are arrested.
“I am pleased that the General Assembly has taken this step to equip our law enforcement officers with the resources needed to protect our communities,” Martwick said. “This legislation puts us one step closer toward addressing this critical public safety issue across our state.”
The measure passed the Senate on Thursday and heads back to the House for concurrence.
