SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – You know that air fresher you have hanging from the rear-view mirror of your car?
Technically, it’s illegal. But, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias wants to change that.
Giannoulias, with help of State Representative LaShawn Ford of Chicago, introduced legislation the state House making it illegal for police to pull a motorist over simply because they have something hanging from a rear-view mirror.
That includes things like air freshers, Rosary beads, and even handicap parking placards.
Giannoulias, in a statement, calls it both “archaic” and “ridiculous.” He says it also encourages more racially-discriminated practices.
“Amending the law by prohibiting traffic stops that encourage discriminatory practices will ultimately make our streets safer for both motorists and police officers,” said Giannoulias, in a news release.
The measure, House Bill 2389, has already been approved in the House on a near party-line vote, and awaits a final vote in the Senate.
