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HB 3601

Relating to mental health.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tom Andersen

HB 3601 tightens Move Over rules by raising fines, upgrading penalties to felonies for Scott's Law violations that cause harm, and directing funds to enforcement.

In committee upon adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 3601

Bill Summary — HB 3601 (104th General Assembly, 2025–2026)

Title: Relating to mental health (amends Illinois Vehicle Code, 625 ILCS 5/11‑907)
Primary sponsor: Rep. Jackie Haas
Status (as of 2025-06-28): In committee upon adjournment

Purpose / Intent

HB 3601 revises the rules and penalties governing driver conduct when approaching stationary authorized emergency vehicles or emergency scenes (commonly known as "Move Over" / "Scott’s Law" provisions). The bill increases mandatory fines, elevates criminal classifications for certain harmful outcomes, lengthens or changes driver license sanctions, and clarifies statutory definitions and duties for drivers.

Key provisions and changes

  • Clarifies and restates driver duties when approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle displaying oscillating/rotating/flashing lights: drivers must change lanes away from the emergency vehicle if safe (on highways with 4+ lanes and lanes in the same direction), or otherwise proceed with due caution, reduce speed to a safe level, and leave a safe distance until past the scene. Definitions of “authorized emergency vehicle” and “emergency scene” are included.
  • Penalties for violating the subsection governing approach to stationary emergency vehicles (subsection (c)):
    • First violation: fine increased to a minimum of $350 (from $250) and maximum of $15,000 (from $10,000), plus a mandatory $500 deposit into the Scott’s Law Fund and any court costs.
    • Second or subsequent violation: fine increased to a minimum of $12,500 (from $750) and maximum of $20,000 (from $10,000), plus a mandatory $750 deposit into the Scott’s Law Fund and any court costs.
    • The statute labels such violations a business offense for purposes of fines.
  • Criminal reclassification and enhanced sanctions when violations result in harm:
    • If the violation results in damage to another vehicle: upgraded to a Class 4 felony (previously a Class A misdemeanor); driving privileges suspended 6 months to 1 year (previously 90 days).
    • If the violation results in injury to another person: upgraded to a Class 1 felony (previously Class 4); driving privileges suspended for 2 years (previously 180 days to 2 years).
    • If the violation results in death: treated as a Class 1 felony (previously Class 4 felony); driving privileges permanently revoked (previously suspended for 2 years).
  • Aggravating factor if the offender was simultaneously violating other specified Code sections (11‑501, 12‑610.1, or 12‑610.2).
  • Scott’s Law Fund: established as a special state treasury fund. The Director of State Police is authorized to use monies (subject to appropriation/approval) for materials for authorized emergency vehicles, hiring off‑duty Illinois State Police for enforcement, and other law enforcement purposes (text truncated in bill).

Who is affected

  • Motorists/drivers in Illinois (higher fines, risk of felony charges and longer or permanent license revocation for serious outcomes).
  • Emergency responders (potentially increased protection/deterrence).
  • Courts and law enforcement (increased enforcement role, potential caseload increases).
  • State finances: increased deposits to Scott’s Law Fund; funds earmarked for enforcement and emergency vehicle materials.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Introduced and first read in February 2025 (Rep. Jackie Haas). Filed March 3, 2025.
  • Referred to Rules Committee, Behavioral Health and Health Care, and Ways & Means at various stages.
  • Read first time March 25, 2025; currently listed as “in committee upon adjournment” (June 28, 2025).

If enacted, HB 3601 would substantially increase civil and criminal penalties for failure to yield or exercise due caution near stationary emergency vehicles and direct additional revenue/resources toward enforcement and responder safety programs.

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

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