SPRINGFIELD – House Republican Leader Tom Cross’ (R-Oswego) bill that would tighten up the state’s DUI law for for-hire drivers passed out of the Illinois Senate today. If signed by the Governor, Senate Bill 1764 would allow for felony charges when a hired driver transports passengers while under the influence of alcohol.
This legislation emerged after limousine driver, Richard Madison, was charged with misdemeanor DUI and reckless conduct after transporting Oswego East High School students to their prom in Glen Ellyn earlier this month. Although Madison’s blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit, he was not charged with a felony.
“Hopefully this new law will give a little more piece-of-mind to people in Illinois who get in a taxi, bus or hire a driver to take their kids to prom,” said Cross. “It should also serve as a deterrent to these hired drivers in Illinois.”
This legislation would give States’ Attorneys the ability to charge a for-hire driver with a Class 4 felony if he/she is guilty of driving passengers while under the influence of alcohol. This crime would be punishable by 1-3 years in prison or up to 2 ½ years of probation. In addition, a school bus driver who is guilty of driving under the influence will be guilty of felony aggravated DUI, regardless of the age of the passengers.
In addition, SB 1764 also permits for enhanced criminal penalties for repeat violations of driving on a suspended or revoked license. Current judicial interpretation does not permit the compounding of license revocations; SB 1764 would clarify the law to provide that, for penalty purposes, a driver’s license or permit may be subject to multiple suspensions or revocations.
