Mulligan: Internet Crime Must Be Stifled

March 1, 2001

Des Plaines… With Internet technology becoming a staple in more Illinois homes, the information it brings can sometimes be troublesome. In an effort to fight crimes committed over the Internet, State Representative Rosemary Mulligan is sponsoring legislation to protect people in Illinois from danger on the Internet.

"The Internet can be a tremendous learning tool for a family to utilize," said Mulligan. "However, criminals are also using it as a tool to hurt our community. That is why it is necessary for us to take action in an effort to stifle Internet crimes."

Mulligan is sponsoring several pieces of legislation that are part of the House Republican Internet Crime Package:

• House Bill 219 creates the offense of illegal transmission of drug information via the Internet.
• House Bill 226 increases the penalty to a Class 4 felony for seducing a child via the Internet.
  
• House Bill 228 makes furthering gang activity via the Internet a criminal offense.
  
• House Bill 230 creates the offense of "facilitating theft of on-line services". The penalty for the offense ranges from a Class A misdemeanor when the aggregate value obtained is under $300 to a Class 4 felony when the value is higher.
  
• House Bill 545 will prohibit Internet gambling and provides that Internet gambling contracts are void.
  

Mulligan said she supports this package because of the proliferation of crimes committed by way of the Internet in recent years.

If you have any questions regarding Internet crime, feel free to contact Rep. Mulligan's district office at (847) 297-6533.