Dillard's Bill Seeking to Address Burglary 'Epidemic' Passes Senate

A bill sponsored by state Sen. Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale) that would put together a task force to develop record-keeping standards for cash-for-gold businesses was passed by the Illinois Senate last week and is expected to be on the desk of the governor soon.

House Bill 3359 would create the Precious Metal Purchasers Task Force for the purpose of determining and recommending regulations on cash-for-gold that would give police the ability to check sales records of area cash-for-gold businesses after residential burglaries involving theft of gold and silver, just like they already can with pawnshops.  

Dillard, whose Hinsdale home was burglarized earlier this year, said the number of residential burglaries in the city of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs has become "an epidemic." 

"Not only is invading a home an incredible violation, but also we certainly never want someone, children or others, to walk in on a burglar that would lead to great bodily harm or death," Dillard said during a conference call with media Friday morning.

Hinsdale Police Chief Brad Bloom and Clarendon Hills Police Chief Ted Jenkins both voiced support for Dillard's bill before the Senate's May 23 vote.

There was a slight amendment made to the bill by the Senate, so the House needs to vote on the amended version before it goes to Gov. Pat Quinn for a signature, Illinois Senate Republican communications representative Amy Barry said.

"The amendment is a minor change so unless there is some sort of oversight I would guess that House lawmakers will act on that concurrence before adjournment on May 31 and the bill will then move to the governor," Barry said.