August 12, 2003

To the Honorable Members of the

Illinois House of Representatives

93^rd General Assembly

In light of current budgetary constraints, signing House Bill 515 into law is not appropriate.  House Bill 515’s notice requirements will divert significant law enforcement resources which should be focused on more important concerns such as Homeland Security and investigating violent crime.   As drafted, this bill will also undermine law enforcement investigations into violent crime and illegal gun trafficking.  As a result, House Bill 515 has drawn well-deserved criticism from the law enforcement community.   Pursuant to Article IV, Section 9(b) of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby veto and return House Bill 515, entitled “AN ACT in relation to criminal law.”              

Sincerely,

ROD R. BLAGOJEVICH

Governor