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HB 78

AGGRAVATED FLEEING PEACE OFCR

104th Regular Session Introduced by Jackie Haas and 2 co-sponsors

HB 78 modifies Illinois law on aggravated fleeing from peace officers, likely adjusting penalties or definitional elements to strengthen enforcement against dangerous evasion incidents.

Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Dan Ugaste
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 78

Legislative bill overview

HB 78 addresses the crime of aggravated fleeing from a peace officer in Illinois. Based on the bill's title and typical legislative patterns, it likely modifies penalties, definitions, or procedures related to suspects who flee from law enforcement in aggravated circumstances. The bill is currently in the Rules Committee following its first reading in January 2025.

Why is this important

Fleeing from police creates immediate public safety risks—endangering officers, the suspect, and bystanders through high-speed pursuits or other dangerous evasion tactics. How aggravated fleeing is defined and penalized affects both law enforcement's ability to respond to crime and individuals' potential criminal liability. This bill could reshape those consequences across Illinois.

Potential points of contention

  • Penalty severity: Whether enhanced penalties are appropriate and proportionate, or if they could disproportionately affect certain populations based on enforcement patterns
  • Circumstances triggering "aggravated" status: Questions about what conditions (vehicle type, speed, injury risk, prior record) should elevate the charge and whether definitions are clear enough
  • Police pursuit policy implications: Whether stricter penalties on fleeing suspects affect or interact with law enforcement's own pursuit policies and practices

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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