DeLuca-Backed Bill Closes Loophole in Auto Theft Law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Anthony DeLuca, D-Chicago Heights, is sponsoring legislation that would close a loophole that lets thieves caught carjacking avoid jail time.

“While there is robust debate on this issue, there is frankly no excuse for not closing legal loopholes that criminals are known to be exploiting,” DeLuca said. “If officers are catching offenders with known criminal history in stolen vehicles, the last thing that law enforcement should be doing is releasing them without any questions asked.”

The DeLuca-backed Senate Bill 2339 would give judges or juries the ability to convict someone of carjacking if there is sufficient enough evidence to support the charge. As the law stands now, if someone were to be found in a stolen vehicle, regardless of previous criminal history, including crimes of carjacking, the suspect would likely not be convicted if they falsely state the car belongs to a friend or relative. The bill also includes a provision that closes a loophole for minors who are caught stealing a car. Before being released, they will be screened for mental health issues and a determination will be made as to whether they pose any safety risks.

“This legislation will take the legal handcuffs off the courts and law enforcement,” DeLuca said. “It will help them combat this wave of armed carjackings in our area.”