SB1682 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB100 09810 SMS 19980 b

100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2017 and 2018
SB1682

Introduced 2/9/2017, by Sen. Martin A. Sandoval

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

New Act
720 ILCS 5/16-30
815 ILCS 505/2Z	from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 262Z

Creates the Fire Alarm Service Professional Licensing Act. Provides for the licensure of fire alarm contractors, installers, and technicians under the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Includes provisions concerning the powers and duties of the Department, licensing requirements, designated certified person requirements, and requirements for the installation, repair, inspection, and testing of fire alarm systems. Authorizes the Department to establish fees and continuing education requirements. Sets forth provisions for grounds for disciplinary action, criminal and civil penalties for violations of the Act, and administrative procedure. Provides that fines and fees collected under the Act shall be deposited into the Fire Prevention Fund. Preempts home rule powers. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012 and the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to make conforming changes.

CORRECTIONAL BUDGET AND IMPACT NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

HOME RULE NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning regulation.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Fire Alarm Service Professional Licensing Act.

Section 5. Legislative intent. It is declared that within the State of Illinois there are, and may continue to be, locations where the improper installation or repair of fire alarm and emergency communication signaling systems creates conditions that may adversely affect the public health and general welfare. Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to protect, promote, and preserve the public health and general welfare by providing for the establishment of minimum standards for licensure of fire alarm system contractors and technicians.

Section 10. Definitions. As used in this Act, unless the context otherwise requires:

"Certified engineering technician" or "technician" means an individual who has achieved NICET Level III or higher in the appropriate subfield and who has the knowledge, experience, and skills necessary to layout fire protection systems.

"Department" means the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

"Designated certified person" means an individual who has met the qualifications set forth under Section 25 of this Act.

"Fire alarm service professional" means a person who holds himself or herself to be in the business of or contracts with a person or firm to install, inspect, maintain, or repair a fire alarm system.

"Fire alarm system" means a system or portion of a combination system that consists of components and circuits arranged to monitor and annunciate the status of fire alarm or supervisory signal-initiating devices and to initiate the appropriate response to those signals. "Fire alarm system" includes, but is not limited to, a fire alarm system and emergency communications system in a residential, commercial, institutional, educational, public, or private occupancy.

"Fire alarm system layout documents" means layout drawings, catalog information on standard products, and other construction data that provide details on the location of fire alarm panels, initiating devices, notifications appliances, wiring methods, and power requirements in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, as adopted by the applicable jurisdiction. "Fire alarm system layout documents" serve as a guide for installation of a fire alarm system and shall be based upon applicable standards pursuant to Section 35 of this Act.

"Installer" means an individual or firm that provides the labor and materials to install fire alarm and emergency communication signaling systems.

"Licensed professional engineer" means a person who is licensed in accordance with the Professional Engineering Practice Act of 1989.

"Licensee" means a person or business organization licensed in accordance with this Act.

"NICET" means the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies.

"Person" means an individual, group of individuals, association, trust, partnership, corporation, person doing business under an assumed name, the State of Illinois or a department thereof, other State-owned and operated institution, or other entity.

"Supervision" means the direction and management by a designated certified person of the activities of non-certified personnel in the installation, inspection, or repair of fire alarm systems.

"Technician" means an individual who performs any of the following key tasks:

(1) verifies that the initial fire alarm installation is installed and operating correctly per applicable requirements;

(2) provides repair service work to existing systems; or

(3) provides inspection, testing, and maintenance of existing systems.

Section 15. License; enforcement; failure to pay tax. No person shall act as a fire alarm contractor, installer, or technician or advertise or assume to act as such, or use any title implying that such person is engaged in such practice or occupation unless licensed by the Department.

No firm, association, or corporation shall act as an agency licensed under this Act or advertise or assume to act as such or use any title implying that the firm, association, or corporation is engaged in such practice unless licensed by the Department.

The Department, in the name of the People and through the Attorney General, the State's Attorney of any county, any resident of the State, or any legal entity within the State, may apply for injunctive relief in any court to enjoin any person who has not been issued a license or whose license has been suspended, revoked, or not renewed from practicing a licensed activity. Upon the filing of a verified petition, the court, if satisfied by affidavit or otherwise, that such person is or has been practicing in violation of this Act, may enter a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction, without bond, enjoining the defendant from such further activity. A copy of the verified complaint shall be served upon the defendant and the proceedings shall thereafter be conducted as in other civil cases. If it is established that the defendant has been or is practicing in violation of this Act, the court may enter a judgment perpetually enjoining the defendant from such further activity. In case of violation of any injunctive order or judgment entered under the provisions of this Section, the court may summarily try and punish the offender for contempt of court. Such injunctive proceeding shall be in addition to all penalties and other remedies in this Act.

The Department may refuse to issue a license to or may suspend the license of any person who fails to file a return, to pay the tax, penalty, or interest shown in a filed return, or to pay any final assessment of tax, penalty, or interest as required by any tax Act administered by the Department of Revenue, until such time as the requirements of the tax Act are satisfied.

Section 20. Licensing requirements.

(a) Beginning 6 months after the effective date of this Act, it shall be unlawful for any person or business to engage in, advertise, or hold itself out to be in the business of installing, inspecting, or repairing fire alarm systems in this State unless such person or business is licensed by the Department.

(b) A licensed electrical contractor does not need to hold a fire alarm license if he or she holds a valid NICET Level II certification in Fire Protection Engineer Technology Fire Alarm System, or equivalent certification approved by the Department.

(c) In order to obtain a license, a person or business must submit an application to the Department on a form provided by the Department containing the information prescribed along with the application fee.

(d) A business applying for a license must have a designated certified person employed at the business location and the designated certified person shall be identified on the license application.

(e) A person or business applying for a license must show proof of having liability and property damage insurance in such amounts and under such circumstances as may be determined by the Department. The amount of liability and property damage insurance, however, shall not be less than the amount specified in Section 45 of this Act.

(f) A person or business applying for a license must show proof of having workers' compensation insurance covering its employees or be approved as a self-insurer of workers' compensation in accordance with the laws of this State.

(g) A person or business so licensed shall have a separate license for each business location within the State or outside the State when the business location is responsible for any installation, inspection, or repair of fire alarm systems performed within the State.

(h) When an individual proposes to do business in his or her own name, a license, when granted, shall be issued only to that individual.

(i) If the applicant requesting licensure to engage in contracting is a business organization, such as a partnership, corporation, business trust, or other legal entity, the application shall state the name of the partnership and its partners, the name of the corporation and its officers and directors, the name of the business trust and its trustees, or the name of such other legal entity and its members and shall furnish evidence of statutory compliance if a fictitious name is used. Such application shall also show that the business entity employs a designated certified person as required under Section 25. The license, when issued upon application of a business organization, shall be in the name of the business organization and the name of the qualifying designated certified person shall be noted thereon.

(j) No license is required for a person or business that is engaged in the installation of self-contained smoke alarms and fire alarm systems in single-family residential dwellings.

(k) All fire alarm system layout documents, as defined in Section 10 of this Act, shall be prepared by: (1) a licensed professional engineer or (2) a holder of a valid NICET level III or higher certification in Fire Protection Engineer Technology Fire Alarm System Layout, or an equivalent certification approved by the Department. Nothing in this Act shall prohibit a licensed professional engineer from performing verification of installation to ensure proper installation and operation of the system in accordance with the applicable requirements or testing the operation of the system to verify the operation and installation of the fire alarm system.

Section 25. Designated certified person requirements.

(a) A designated certified person must either be a current professional engineer licensed under the Professional Engineering Practice Act of 1989 or hold a valid NICET Level III or higher certification in the subfield of fire protection engineer technology or fire alarm systems, or an equivalent certification approved by the Department.

(b) At least one member of every firm, association, or partnership or every corporation engaged in the installation of fire alarm systems must be a designated NICET Level II or higher person.

(c) A designated certified person must be employed by the licensee at a business location with a valid license.

(d) A designated certified person must perform his or her normal duties at a business location with a valid license.

(e) A designated certified person may only be the designated certified person for one business location and one business entity.

(f) A designated certified person must be directly involved in supervision. The designated certified person does not, however, have to be at the site of the installation or repair of the fire alarm system at all times.

Section 30. Change of a designated certified person. When a licensee is without a designated certified person, the licensee shall notify the Department in writing within 30 days and shall employ a designated certified person no later than 180 days from the time the position of designated certified person becomes vacant. Failing to fill the vacant position shall cause the license of the person or of the business organization to expire without further operation of law.

Section 35. Requirements for the installation, repair, inspection, and initial acceptance testing of fire alarm systems.

(a) Equipment shall be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. or Factory Mutual Laboratories, Inc., or shall comply with nationally accepted standards. The Department shall adopt by rule procedures for determining whether a laboratory is nationally recognized, taking into account the laboratory's facilities, procedures, use of nationally recognized standards, and any other criteria reasonably calculated to reach an informed determination.

(b) Equipment shall be installed in accordance with the applicable standards of the National Fire Protection Association and the manufacturer's specifications.

(c) The contractor shall furnish the user with operating instructions for all equipment installed, together with a diagram of the final installation.

(d) This licensing Act is not intended to require any additional fire inspections at the State level.

(e) Inspections, initial acceptance testing, annual testing, or repairing of existing fire alarm systems and equipment must be performed by a licensee or an individual employed or contracted by a licensee. Any individual who performs inspection and testing duties under this subsection (e) must possess proof of certification by a nationally recognized certification organization at an appropriate level, such as NICET Level II in Fire Protection Engineer Technology, Fire Alarm Systems.

State employees who perform inspections and testing on behalf of State institutions and who meet all other requirements of this subsection (e) need not be licensed under this Act or employed by a licensee under this Act in order to perform inspection and testing duties under this subsection (e).

The requirements of this subsection (e) do not apply to individuals performing inspections or testing of fire alarm systems on behalf of a municipality, a county, a fire protection district, insurance interests, or the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

The requirements of this subsection (e) do not apply to cursory periodic tests and inspections of fire alarm system components conducted by property owners or management in accordance with the standards of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) if such inspections do not constitute the tests and inspections required to meet the minimum requirements of NFPA standards.

A copy of the inspection report for an inspection performed pursuant to this subsection (e) must be forwarded by the entity performing the inspection within 30 days to the local fire department or fire protection district in which the fire alarm system is located. The inspection report must include the NICET Level II Fire Protection Engineer Technology, Fire Alarm Systems certification number, or journeymen number of the person performing the inspection.

Section 40. Application for building permit; identity theft. A person who knowingly, in the course of applying for a building permit with a unit of local government, provides the license number of a fire alarm contractor whom he or she does not intend to have perform the work on the fire alarm portion of the project, commits identity theft under paragraph (8) of subsection (a) of Section 16-30 of the Criminal Code of 2012.

Section 45. Fees, renewals, continuing education, and required insurance.

(a) The fees for an original license and each renewal and for duplicate copies of licenses shall be determined by the Department by rule.

(b) Each license must be renewed every 3 years. Each licensee must complete 45 hours of continuing education in the 3-year period following his or her renewal or initial licensure. Current licensure as a professional engineer or proof of current NICET certification in Level III for Fire Alarm Systems or higher shall satisfy this requirement for designated certified persons. Continuing education offered through nationally recognized building and fire code organizations and their affiliates, nationally recognized fire alarm organizations and their affiliates, institutions of higher education, educational bodies specializing in fire alarm system technology, and other entities approved by the Department shall also be acceptable. All continuing education entities seeking approval shall apply to the Department and offer programs that:

(1) contribute to the advancement, extension, or enhancement of the professional skills or technical knowledge of the licensee in the practice of fire alarm service; and

(2) are developed and presented by persons with education or experience in the subject matter of the program.

(c) Any person who fails to file a renewal application by the date of expiration of a license shall be assessed a late filing charge, which shall be determined by the Department by rule.

(d) All fees shall be paid by check or money order. Any fee required by this Act is not refundable in the event that the original application or application for renewal is denied.

(e) Every application for an original license shall be accompanied by a certificate of insurance issued by an insurance company authorized to do business in the State or by a risk retention or purchasing group formed pursuant to the federal Liability Risk Retention Act of 1986, which provides primary, first dollar public liability coverage of the applicant or licensee for personal injuries for not less than $500,000 per person or $1,000,000 per occurrence and, in addition, for not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence for property damage. The insurance policy shall be in effect at all times during the license year and a new certificate of insurance shall be filed with the Department within 30 days after the renewal of the insurance policy.

Section 50. Deposit of fines and fees; appropriation. All administrative civil fines and fees collected pursuant to the Act shall be deposited into the Fire Prevention Fund, a special fund in the State treasury. The General Assembly shall appropriate the amount annually collected as administrative civil fines and fees to the Department for the purposes of administering this Act.

Section 55. Home rule. A home rule unit may not regulate the installation, inspection, and repair of fire alarm systems in a manner less restrictive than the regulation by the State on the installation, inspection, and repair of fire alarm systems under this Act. This Section is a limitation under subsection (i) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution on the concurrent exercise by home rule units of powers and functions exercised by the State.

Section 60. Powers and duties of the Department. The Department has the following powers and duties:

(1) to prescribe and furnish application forms, licenses, and any other forms necessary under this Act;

(2) to suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue or renew licenses for cause;

(3) to conduct hearings concerning the suspension, revocation, or refusal to issue or renew licenses;

(4) to levy and collect fines pursuant to this Act; and

(5) to adopt rules necessary for the administration of this Act.

Section 65. Rules; public hearing. Subject to the requirement for public hearings as provided in this Section, the Department shall publish and adopt and may, from time to time, amend such rules as may be necessary for the enforcement of this Act and to protect the health and safety of the public. The Department shall hold a public hearing prior to the adoption or amendment of rules required under this Act. The Department may, when necessary, utilize the services of any other State agency to assist in carrying out the purposes of this Act.

Section 70. Grounds for disciplinary action. The following constitute grounds for disciplinary action by the Department:

(1) violation of any provision of this Act or of any rule adopted under this Act;

(2) violation of the applicable building codes or laws of this State or any municipality or county thereof;

(3) diversion of funds or property received for prosecution or completion of a specified construction project or operation when, as a result of the diversion, the contractor is or will be unable to fulfill the terms of his or her obligation or contract;

(4) disciplinary action by any municipality or county, which action shall be reviewed by the Department before taking any disciplinary action;

(5) failure to supervise the installation of the fire alarm system covered by the installation permit signed by the contractor;

(6) rendering a fire alarm system inoperative, except when the fire alarm system is being inspected, serviced, tested, or repaired pursuant to court order;

(7) improperly servicing, repairing, testing, or inspecting a fire alarm system;

(8) failing to provide proof of insurance to the Department, or failing to maintain in force the insurance coverage required by this Act;

(9) failing to obtain, retain, or maintain one or more of the qualifications for a designated certified person as specified in this Act;

(10) failing to confirm that all employees performing fire alarm work or services hold the current certifications required for their scope of work;

(11) making a material misstatement or misrepresentation or committing a fraud in obtaining or attempting to obtain a license;

(12) failing to notify the Department, in writing, within 30 days after a change of residence address, principal business address, or name;

(13) failing to supply within a reasonable time, upon request from the Department or its authorized representative, accurate information regarding material used, work performed, or other information essential to the administration of this Act; or

(14) aiding or abetting a person to violate a provision of this Act, conspiring with any person to violate a provision of this Act, or allowing a license to be used by another person.

Section 75. Notice; suspension; revocation; refusal to renew a license.

(a) Whenever the Department determines that there are reasonable grounds to believe that a licensee has violated a provision of this Act or the rules adopted under this Act, the Department shall give notice of the alleged violation to the person to whom the license was issued. The notice shall: (1) be in writing; (2) include a statement of the alleged violation that necessitates issuance of the notice; (3) contain an outline of remedial action that, if taken, will effect compliance with the provisions of this Act and the rules adopted under this Act; (4) prescribe a reasonable time, as determined by the Department, for the performance of any action required by the notice; and (5) be served upon the licensee. The notice shall be deemed to have been properly served upon the person when a copy of the notice has been sent by registered or certified mail to his or her last known address, as furnished to the Department, or when he or she has been served the notice by any other method authorized by law.

(b) If the person to whom the notice is served does not comply with the terms of the notice within the time limitations specified in the notice, the Department may proceed with an action to suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue a license as provided in this Section.

(c) Other requirements of this Act notwithstanding, when the Department determines that reasonable grounds exist to indicate that a violation of this Act has been committed and the violation is the third separate violation by that person in an 18-month period, the notice requirement of subsection (a) of this Section shall be waived and the Department may proceed immediately with action to suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue a license.

(d) In any proceeding to suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue a license, the Department shall first serve or cause to be served upon the licensee a written notice of the Department's intent to take action. The notice shall specify the way in which the person has failed to comply with this Act or any other rules or standards of the Department.

(e) In the case of revocation or suspension, the notice shall require the person to remove or abate the violation or objectionable condition specified in the notice within 5 days. The Department may specify a longer period of time as it deems necessary. If the person fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the revocation or suspension notice within the time specified by the Department, the Department may revoke or suspend the license.

(f) In the case of refusal to issue a license, if the person fails to comply with this Act or rules adopted under this Act, the Department may refuse to issue a license.

Section 80. Administrative hearing. The Department shall give written notice by certified or registered mail to an applicant or licensee of the Department's intent to suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue a license or to assess a fine. Such person has a right to a hearing before the Department. A written notice of a request for a hearing shall be served on the Department within 18 days of notice of the refusal, suspension, or revocation of a license or imposition of a fine. The hearing shall be conducted by the Department or a hearing officer designated in writing by the Department. A stenographic record shall be made of the hearing and cost of the hearing shall be borne by the Department. A transcript of the hearing shall be made only upon request of the applicant or licensee and shall be transcribed at the cost of that person.

Section 85. Subpoena powers; administration of oath. The Department or hearing officer may compel by subpoena or subpoena duces tecum the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of books and papers. All subpoenas issued by the Department or hearing officer may be served as provided for in a civil action. The fees of witnesses for attendance and travel shall be the same as the fees for witnesses before the circuit court and shall be paid by the party at whose request the subpoena is issued. If such subpoena is issued at the request of the Department, the witness fee shall be paid as an administrative expense.

In the case of refusal of a witness to attend or testify, or to produce books or papers concerning any matter upon which he or she might be lawfully examined, the circuit court of the county where the hearing is being held, upon application of any party to the proceeding, may compel obedience by a proceeding for contempt.

The Department or hearing officer has the authority to administer oaths to witnesses.

Section 90. Deposition of witnesses; testimony at hearing recorded. In the event of the inability of any party or the Department to procure the attendance of witnesses to give testimony or produce books and papers, the party or the Department may take the deposition of witnesses in accordance with the laws of this State. All testimony taken at a hearing shall be reduced to writing and all such testimony and other evidence introduced at the hearing shall be a part of the record of the hearing.

Section 95. Certification of record. The Department is not required to certify any record or file any answer or otherwise appear in any proceeding for judicial review unless the party filing the complaint deposits with the clerk of the court the sum of $1 per page representing the costs of the certification. Failure on the part of the plaintiff to make the deposit shall be grounds for dismissal of the action.

Section 100. Injunction. Faulty fire alarm installation and repair is declared a violation of this Act and inimical to the public health, welfare, and safety and a deceptive business practice. The Department, in the name of the People of the State, through the Attorney General or the State's Attorney of the county in which the violation occurs may, in addition to other remedies provided in this Act, bring an action for an injunction to restrain such violation or enjoin the future performance of the person who committed the violation until compliance with the provisions of this Act has been obtained.

Section 105. Penalty. Any person who violates this Act or any rule adopted by the Department or who violates any determination or order of the Department under this Act shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor and shall be fined a sum not less than $100. Each day's violation constitutes a separate offense. The State's Attorney of the county in which the violation occurred or the Attorney General shall bring such actions in the name of the People of the State of Illinois.

Section 110. Administrative civil fines. The Department is empowered to assess administrative civil fines against a licensee for violations of this Act or its rules. These fines shall not be greater than $1,000 for each offense. These fines shall be in addition to or in lieu of license suspensions and revocations. Rules to implement this Section shall be adopted by the Department within 6 months after the effective date of this Act.

The hearing officer shall, upon determination that a violation of the Act or rules has occurred, determine the amount of these fines. Any fine assessed and not paid within 60 days after receiving notice of the fine from the Department may be submitted to the Attorney General's office for collection. Failure to pay a fine shall also be grounds for immediate suspension or revocation of a license issued under this Act.

Section 115. Judicial review of final administrative decision. The Administrative Review Law and the rules adopted under the Administrative Review Law apply to and govern all proceedings for judicial review of final administrative decisions of the Department under this Act. Such judicial review shall be in the circuit court of the county in which the cause of the action arose. As used in this Section, the term "administrative decision" has the meaning set forth in Section 3-101 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

Section 120. Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. The provisions of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act are hereby expressly adopted and shall apply to all administrative rules and procedures of the Department under this Act, except that, in the case of conflict between the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act and this Act, the provisions of this Act shall control, and except that Section 5-35 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act relating to procedures for rulemaking does not apply to the adoption of any rule required by federal law in connection with which the Department is precluded by law from exercising any discretion.

Section 125. Severability clause. If any part of this Act is judged invalid, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the Act as a whole or of any other part.

Section 130. Grandfather clause. Any person or business that, on the effective date of this Act, is installing, acceptance testing, testing, inspecting, or repairing fire alarm systems in the State of Illinois and has a minimum of 3 years of experience in initial acceptance testing, testing, inspecting, or repairing fire alarm systems has 2 years after the effective date of this Act before they must have a designated certified person as required in Section 25.

Section 900. The Criminal Code of 2012 is amended by changing Section 16-30 as follows:

(720 ILCS 5/16-30)

Sec. 16-30. Identity theft; aggravated identity theft.

(a) A person commits identity theft when he or she knowingly:

(1) uses any personal identifying information or personal identification document of another person to fraudulently obtain credit, money, goods, services, or other property;

(2) uses any personal identification information or personal identification document of another with intent to commit any felony not set forth in paragraph (1) of this subsection (a);

(3) obtains, records, possesses, sells, transfers, purchases, or manufactures any personal identification information or personal identification document of another with intent to commit any felony;

(4) uses, obtains, records, possesses, sells, transfers, purchases, or manufactures any personal identification information or personal identification document of another knowing that such personal identification information or personal identification documents were stolen or produced without lawful authority;

(5) uses, transfers, or possesses document-making implements to produce false identification or false documents with knowledge that they will be used by the person or another to commit any felony;

(6) uses any personal identification information or personal identification document of another to portray himself or herself as that person, or otherwise, for the purpose of gaining access to any personal identification information or personal identification document of that person, without the prior express permission of that person;

(7) uses any personal identification information or personal identification document of another for the purpose of gaining access to any record of the actions taken, communications made or received, or other activities or transactions of that person, without the prior express permission of that person;

(7.5) uses, possesses, or transfers a radio frequency identification device capable of obtaining or processing personal identifying information from a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or transponder with knowledge that the device will be used by the person or another to commit a felony violation of State law or any violation of this Article; or

(8) in the course of applying for a building permit with a unit of local government, provides the license number of a roofing, or fire sprinkler, or fire alarm contractor whom he or she does not intend to have perform the work on the roofing, or fire sprinkler, or fire alarm portion of the project; it is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this paragraph (8) that the building permit applicant promptly informed the unit of local government that issued the building permit of any change in the roofing, or fire sprinkler, or fire alarm contractor.

(b) Aggravated identity theft. A person commits aggravated identity theft when he or she commits identity theft as set forth in subsection (a) of this Section:

(1) against a person 60 years of age or older or a person with a disability; or

(2) in furtherance of the activities of an organized gang.

A defense to aggravated identity theft does not exist merely because the accused reasonably believed the victim to be a person less than 60 years of age. For the purposes of this subsection, "organized gang" has the meaning ascribed in Section 10 of the Illinois Streetgang Terrorism Omnibus Prevention Act.

(c) Knowledge shall be determined by an evaluation of all circumstances surrounding the use of the other person's identifying information or document.

(d) When a charge of identity theft or aggravated identity theft of credit, money, goods, services, or other property exceeding a specified value is brought, the value of the credit, money, goods, services, or other property is an element of the offense to be resolved by the trier of fact as either exceeding or not exceeding the specified value.

(e) Sentence.

(1) Identity theft.

(A) A person convicted of identity theft in violation of paragraph (1) of subsection (a) shall be sentenced as follows:

(i) Identity theft of credit, money, goods, services, or other property not exceeding $300 in value is a Class 4 felony. A person who has been previously convicted of identity theft of less than $300 who is convicted of a second or subsequent offense of identity theft of less than $300 is guilty of a Class 3 felony. A person who has been convicted of identity theft of less than $300 who has been previously convicted of any type of theft, robbery, armed robbery, burglary, residential burglary, possession of burglary tools, home invasion, home repair fraud, aggravated home repair fraud, or financial exploitation of an elderly person or person with a disability is guilty of a Class 3 felony. Identity theft of credit, money, goods, services, or other property not exceeding $300 in value when the victim of the identity theft is an active duty member of the Armed Services or Reserve Forces of the United States or of the Illinois National Guard serving in a foreign country is a Class 3 felony. A person who has been previously convicted of identity theft of less than $300 who is convicted of a second or subsequent offense of identity theft of less than $300 when the victim of the identity theft is an active duty member of the Armed Services or Reserve Forces of the United States or of the Illinois National Guard serving in a foreign country is guilty of a Class 2 felony. A person who has been convicted of identity theft of less than $300 when the victim of the identity theft is an active duty member of the Armed Services or Reserve Forces of the United States or of the Illinois National Guard serving in a foreign country who has been previously convicted of any type of theft, robbery, armed robbery, burglary, residential burglary, possession of burglary tools, home invasion, home repair fraud, aggravated home repair fraud, or financial exploitation of an elderly person or person with a disability is guilty of a Class 2 felony.

(ii) Identity theft of credit, money, goods, services, or other property exceeding $300 and not exceeding $2,000 in value is a Class 3 felony. Identity theft of credit, money, goods, services, or other property exceeding $300 and not exceeding $2,000 in value when the victim of the identity theft is an active duty member of the Armed Services or Reserve Forces of the United States or of the Illinois National Guard serving in a foreign country is a Class 2 felony.

(iii) Identity theft of credit, money, goods, services, or other property exceeding $2,000 and not exceeding $10,000 in value is a Class 2 felony. Identity theft of credit, money, goods, services, or other property exceeding $2,000 and not exceeding $10,000 in value when the victim of the identity theft is an active duty member of the Armed Services or Reserve Forces of the United States or of the Illinois National Guard serving in a foreign country is a Class 1 felony.

(iv) Identity theft of credit, money, goods, services, or other property exceeding $10,000 and not exceeding $100,000 in value is a Class 1 felony. Identity theft of credit, money, goods, services, or other property exceeding $10,000 and not exceeding $100,000 in value when the victim of the identity theft is an active duty member of the Armed Services or Reserve Forces of the United States or of the Illinois National Guard serving in a foreign country is a Class X felony.

(v) Identity theft of credit, money, goods, services, or other property exceeding $100,000 in value is a Class X felony.

(B) A person convicted of any offense enumerated in paragraphs (2) through (7.5) of subsection (a) is guilty of a Class 3 felony. A person convicted of any offense enumerated in paragraphs (2) through (7.5) of subsection (a) when the victim of the identity theft is an active duty member of the Armed Services or Reserve Forces of the United States or of the Illinois National Guard serving in a foreign country is guilty of a Class 2 felony.

(C) A person convicted of any offense enumerated in paragraphs (2) through (5) and (7.5) of subsection (a) a second or subsequent time is guilty of a Class 2 felony. A person convicted of any offense enumerated in paragraphs (2) through (5) and (7.5) of subsection (a) a second or subsequent time when the victim of the identity theft is an active duty member of the Armed Services or Reserve Forces of the United States or of the Illinois National Guard serving in a foreign country is guilty of a Class 1 felony.

(D) A person who, within a 12-month period, is found in violation of any offense enumerated in paragraphs (2) through (7.5) of subsection (a) with respect to the identifiers of, or other information relating to, 3 or more separate individuals, at the same time or consecutively, is guilty of a Class 2 felony. A person who, within a 12-month period, is found in violation of any offense enumerated in paragraphs (2) through (7.5) of subsection (a) with respect to the identifiers of, or other information relating to, 3 or more separate individuals, at the same time or consecutively, when the victim of the identity theft is an active duty member of the Armed Services or Reserve Forces of the United States or of the Illinois National Guard serving in a foreign country is guilty of a Class 1 felony.

(E) A person convicted of identity theft in violation of paragraph (2) of subsection (a) who uses any personal identification information or personal identification document of another to purchase methamphetamine manufacturing material as defined in Section 10 of the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act with the intent to unlawfully manufacture methamphetamine is guilty of a Class 2 felony for a first offense and a Class 1 felony for a second or subsequent offense. A person convicted of identity theft in violation of paragraph (2) of subsection (a) who uses any personal identification information or personal identification document of another to purchase methamphetamine manufacturing material as defined in Section 10 of the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act with the intent to unlawfully manufacture methamphetamine when the victim of the identity theft is an active duty member of the Armed Services or Reserve Forces of the United States or of the Illinois National Guard serving in a foreign country is guilty of a Class 1 felony for a first offense and a Class X felony for a second or subsequent offense.

(F) A person convicted of identity theft in violation of paragraph (8) of subsection (a) of this Section is guilty of a Class 4 felony.

(2) Aggravated identity theft.

(A) Aggravated identity theft of credit, money, goods, services, or other property not exceeding $300 in value is a Class 3 felony.

(B) Aggravated identity theft of credit, money, goods, services, or other property exceeding $300 and not exceeding $10,000 in value is a Class 2 felony.

(C) Aggravated identity theft of credit, money, goods, services, or other property exceeding $10,000 in value and not exceeding $100,000 in value is a Class 1 felony.

(D) Aggravated identity theft of credit, money, goods, services, or other property exceeding $100,000 in value is a Class X felony.

(E) Aggravated identity theft for a violation of any offense enumerated in paragraphs (2) through (7.5) of subsection (a) of this Section is a Class 2 felony.

(F) Aggravated identity theft when a person who, within a 12-month period, is found in violation of any offense enumerated in paragraphs (2) through (7.5) of subsection (a) of this Section with identifiers of, or other information relating to, 3 or more separate individuals, at the same time or consecutively, is a Class 1 felony.

(G) A person who has been previously convicted of aggravated identity theft regardless of the value of the property involved who is convicted of a second or subsequent offense of aggravated identity theft regardless of the value of the property involved is guilty of a Class X felony.

(Source: P.A. 99-143, eff. 7-27-15.)

Section 905. The Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act is amended by changing Section 2Z as follows:

(815 ILCS 505/2Z) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 262Z)

Sec. 2Z. Violations of other Acts. Any person who knowingly violates the Automotive Repair Act, the Automotive Collision Repair Act, the Home Repair and Remodeling Act, the Dance Studio Act, the Physical Fitness Services Act, the Hearing Instrument Consumer Protection Act, the Illinois Union Label Act, the Job Referral and Job Listing Services Consumer Protection Act, the Travel Promotion Consumer Protection Act, the Credit Services Organizations Act, the Automatic Telephone Dialers Act, the Pay-Per-Call Services Consumer Protection Act, the Telephone Solicitations Act, the Illinois Funeral or Burial Funds Act, the Cemetery Oversight Act, the Cemetery Care Act, the Safe and Hygienic Bed Act, the Pre-Need Cemetery Sales Act, the High Risk Home Loan Act, the Payday Loan Reform Act, the Mortgage Rescue Fraud Act, subsection (a) or (b) of Section 3-10 of the Cigarette Tax Act, subsection (a) or (b) of Section 3-10 of the Cigarette Use Tax Act, the Electronic Mail Act, the Internet Caller Identification Act, paragraph (6) of subsection (k) of Section 6-305 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, Section 11-1431, 18d-115, 18d-120, 18d-125, 18d-135, 18d-150, or 18d-153 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, Article 3 of the Residential Real Property Disclosure Act, the Automatic Contract Renewal Act, the Reverse Mortgage Act, Section 25 of the Youth Mental Health Protection Act, or the Personal Information Protection Act, or Section 100 of the Fire Alarm Service Professional Licensing Act commits an unlawful practice within the meaning of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 99-331, eff. 1-1-16; 99-411, eff. 1-1-16; 99-642, eff. 7-28-16.)