By IL Radio Network
Chicago, IL – Illinois now has stronger penalties for those who make a false call to 911.
A new law makes it a Class 4 felony, punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine up to $25,000. Under the previous law, it was a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine up to $2,500.
At issue is the cost of responding to fake incidents, as well as the danger associated with emergency runs. Kankakee County Deputy Dave Stukenborg who was badly injured in a car crash in November responding to a call of bodies found that turned out to be false, prompting the Kankakee County sheriff to push for this law.
Stukenborg says the new law is needed.
The bill, sponsored by State Representative Lisa Dugan and State Senator Toi Hutchinson, passed the General Assembly unanimously. It takes effect January 1st.
The law applies to 911 calls to law enforcement agencies, and those to civilian-operated 911 emergency call centers.
