State Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, passed House Bill 626 on March 20—a measure that will increase prison time for anyone convicted of stealing from charitable groups.
Currently, people who take part in such thefts are recommended for two years for supervision. Under Harris’ bill, thieves convicted of stealing more than $100,000 worth of property from a charitable organization will face 6-30 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. Harris drafted the measure after approximately $479,000 was take from the Genesis House, which provides services for abused women.
The bill, which passed 92-25, now moves to the Illinois Senate.