Senator's Bill Would Boot Your Car for Unpaid Debts
Senator Ira Silverstein "quietly" introduced a bill that would boot your car if you have any debts owed against you, such as a water bill or traffic ticket, for example. He told Crain's he introduced it at the request of a lobbyist.
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Senator Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago) is on a roll with some unique bills.
First, the senator, whose district include parts of Skokie, Niles, Morton Grove and Lincolnwood, tried to introduce a bill aimed at limiting comments posted online.
He since withdrew that bill.
Now, he’s “quietly” introduced a new bill that would boot a person’s vehicle if they have any debt owed to the city of Chicago and other municipalities–- such as water bills or traffic tickets, among others, according to Crain’s Chicago Business.
If the person does not pay their bill within 24 hours after a judgment, the individual's car could be auctioned off. Any money made from the auction would go toward paying off whatever debt the person owes, the publication reported.
Current law states that only vehicles with traffic or parking violations may be booted under certain conditions. In those instances, the vehicle can only be auctioned off after 21 days.
Silverstein said he “introduced the bill at the request of a lobbyist friend whose clients include a law firm with a large collection practice,” Crain’s Chicago reported.
Sen. Kirk Dillard, a Hinsdale Republican, called the idea of threatening to sell a person's vehicle within 24 hours "over the top," according to chicago.cbslocal.com.
Silverstein did not immediately return a phone call placed to him on Tuesday. The senator's district includes Skokie, part of Chicago, Morton Grove, Niles, Glenview and Lincolnwood. To view a map of Silverstein's district, click here.
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What do you think? Post a comment below.
Palman
7:54 am on Wednesday, February 27, 2013
I think he should wear "the boot" on his head for 21 days. If he doesn't say or do anything stupid, we would remove it, otherwise, we would give him away to anyone who would want him. Why take your car, when you can have much more like your home, savings/retirement, medical benefits, job ....oh wait, that already has been taken!!
Scott D
5:33 pm on Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Does he think this would really pass the test of due prossess under the bill of rights? Ira (really, his name is Ira) has an obligation to his colleagues and constituants to introduce real legislation not stuff his lawyer friend dreamed up and will get his name in the paper. Ira short for something? Maybe Iryaserious?
bigfoot14
11:08 am on Wednesday, February 27, 2013
If these are the kind of bills Mr Silverstein is introducing he needs to be voted out of office.....and the fact that he admits he introduced the bill on behalf of a collections agency just makes it worse....it's obvious that he's listening to his pocketbook, NOT his constituents
Zuzu
11:35 am on Wednesday, February 27, 2013
This proposed bill is going in the same place as Silverstein's career: in the toilet.
Joemama
1:03 pm on Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Lets just say;
forgot to pay my water bill before I went on a two week vacation got home new cars gone with a note from city: car was sold to pay your $100 past due water bill. 24 hours after a judgment has got to be aginst some due process law.
What's his next bill going to be open payday loan shops run by the city (or Mob)?
Kelly K
7:03 pm on Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Wow, this guy sounds like such an idiot. How did he ever get elected? If a loser like him can get elected, I'm sure anyone can. Maybe I should get my neighbor to run for office next time. At least he wouldn't try to pass these stupid bills at the behest of friends who work for collection agents! I can't even believe he is serious!
Shawn
8:21 am on Thursday, February 28, 2013
Must be a "Martian" or a used car dealer.