CHICAGO — State Senator Robert Martwick’s measure to provide law enforcement with additional resources to combat carjackings goes into effect Jan. 1.
“Carjackings have risen and arrests are shockingly low,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “This provides critical tools and resources to help law enforcement officers protect our communities.”
The law grants new powers the Motor Vehicle Theft task force to investigate the scope of the vehicle hijacking problem in Illinois. The task force is made up of representatives from law enforcement, states attorneys and the insurance industry, and is tasked with developing and supporting the implementation of strategies to combat vehicle hijacking, and to improve the administration of vehicle hijacking laws.
Additionally, it provides that the Vehicle Theft Trust Fund may be used to provide financial support for law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts for programs designed to reduce vehicle hijacking.
“We are one step closer to addressing this critical public safety issue in our state,” Martwick said.
House Bill 3699 takes effect Jan. 1.
