By WJBC Staff

SPRINGFIELD - An Illinois Senate committee has approved of a bill that would give law enforcement a new tool in their efforts to combat home repair fraud.

State Sen. Jason Barickman (R- Bloomington) sponsored the bill, which adds another qualifying offense for the seizure of vehicles.

"To allow for the seizure of vehicles in instances of home repair fraud and aggravated home repair fraud," Barickman said.

The state criminal code also allows for the seizure of vehicles in drug offenses. Sgt. Earl Dutko with the Livingston County Sheriff's Department testified on behalf of the bill.

"For me to seize their vehicle and take their opportunity to go down the road and victimize the next house just seems it was something that had fallen through the cracks in the law," Dutko said.

The bill now goes to the full Senate.