New Law Bans "Fill The Boot" Bans

Governor Pat Quinn Friday signed a new law that makes it easier for public safety officers to raise money for charity. The new law ensures that counties or municipalities allow police officers and firefighters to collect charitable donations from motorists as they work along the roadside.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. John Mulroe (D-Chicago) and Rep. Donald L. Moffitt (R-Galesburg), was an initiative of the Associated Firefighters of Illinois. A number of communities have passed bans prohibiting firefighters and police officers from collecting charitable donations along roadways, citing safety concerns. Under the new law, police, firefighters and other public safety officials cannot be denied permits from municipalities or counties to collect donations in their communities and along roads, provided certain requirements are met.

“Illinois firefighters have supported important organizations like the MDA for decades by filling their boots with donations that save lives,” Sen. Mulroe said.

Illinois would be the 6th state in the nation to pass a law such as this one, following Florida, Nebraska, Texas, California, and North Carolina. The law takes effect immediately.