(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- After protesters blocked traffic into O’Hare Airport this week, an Illinois lawmaker is proposing legislation that would make similar actions a felony.
A pro-Palestinian protest shut down all lanes of Interstate I-90 and blocked terminal access Monday morning causing a four -mile traffic jam.
Travelers were not able to reach O'Hare and were urged to take the CTA Blue Line in order to reach the airport in time to catch their flight.
State Representative Dan Ugaste filed a bill aimed at amending the Illinois Public Demonstrations Law. This bill creates stiffer penalties for individuals who block a busy public right-of-way for not less than five minutes or when these actions prevent the free passage of emergency responders, including police officers and firefighters.
Individuals who engage in these actions would be subject to felony charges.
“In light of the recent protests cutting off traffic near O’Hare Airport, it’s time to bring greater charges to people who commit these acts,” Ugaste stated.
"Lives are at stake, and first responders cannot be held up in this manner. Blocking busy roadways is very dangerous and stronger punishments should be enforced.”
According to the proposed bill, prior notification to law enforcement of a protest or assembly that would result in delaying emergency responders is not an allowed defense, and Class 4 felony charges would still apply.
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