Governor Ryan Signs House Bill 2296

CHICAGO -- Governor George H. Ryan today signed House Bill 2296, reenacting the criminal law provisions of Public Act 90-456 concerning the Emergency Telephone System Act, the disorderly conduct offense and search warrant provisions.

In September of this year, the Illinois State Supreme Court held that P.A. 90-456 was unconstitutional due to a violation of the Single Subject Rule. The Court found that the inclusion of an amendment concerning the Juvenile Court Act alongside amendments to the Emergency Telephone System Act, the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963 and the Criminal Code of 1961 was cause for invalidation.

HB2296 provides for:

• no-knock search warrants for peace officers if the officer reasonably believes that if he or she gives notice, a weapon would be used against the officer or another person.

• restores penalty enhancements for the offense of disorderly conduct where false reports of criminal activity or a medical emergency are made to law enforcement and public safety agencies. The restored penalty is a Class 4 Felony.

• restores the Emergency Telephone System Act for false 911 calls at a Class A misdemeanor, the same penalty as the disorderly conduct statute.

"We've seen over the past few months with anthrax hoaxes the dangers and the misuse of resources imposed when people make false reports," Governor Ryan said. "It is important that we give our law enforcement personnel the resources and security they need in order to perform their duties effectively, with the signing of this legislation we are reaffirming our commitment to our officers."

HB2296 was sponsored by Sen. Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale) and Representatives Randall Hultgren (R-Wheaton), Eileen Lyons (R-Western Springs) and David Miller (D-Calumet City).