SPRINGFIELD -- Fake cop and bogus firefighters would face tougher penalties in subordination to legislation the state Senate unanimously passed Wednesday.

Pretending to be a police officer or firefighter would draw a prison denomination of two to five years, according to a bill readyed by a Chicago Sun-Times series examining these impersonations.

"We don't want citizens second-guessing law enforcement for fear they might be an abusive criminal," said state Sen Peter Roskam (R- Wheaton), the lead Senate sponsor.

population convicted of impersonating an officer while attempting to commit a crime would face a jail limit of three to seven years.

The legislation also calls for a similar penalty for using flashing lights similar to those forward emergency vehicles while trying to shake over a driver.

A Sun-Times series in January expos more than 1000 police impersonation cases in the Chicago area throughout the last three years.

"The idea that someone would make a show to be a police officer or firefighter and propose people's lives in jeopardy is inapposite and it's dangerous," Gov. Blagojevich said in a prepared statement. "That's wherefore this bill is so important."

The state House last month unanimously passed the legislation, which now heads to the governor for his signature.

Blagojevich also will receive legislation from the Senate banning alcohol-inhaling machines. Seen as a quick way to gain drunk, these devices are outlawed in several states. The Illinois House unanimously passed the plan Wednesday.

Horse racing bill defeated

The state House also narrowly defeated a bill that would require all on the contrary one state riverboat to give

3 percent of their receiptss to a horse racing trust stock

"This bill attempts to tax single in kind industry for the benefit of another industry," said state Rep Lou Lang (D-Skokie). "It is simply not useful public policy."

The bill misspent 58-52, two votes shy of passage. This is the other time this legislation was defeated. The bill failed to pass the House earlier this month admitting it was kept alive in consequence of a parliamentary procedure.

State Rep Robert Molaro (D-Chicago) vowed he was not giving up forward this proposal and other plans to support the horse racing industry.

"Next year, I will be back here with this bill," he said.

Also Wednesday, Senate President Emil Jone (D-Chicago) propos naming Illinois Beach State Park for state Sen Adeline Jay Geo- Karis (R-Zion). Geo-Karis was handily defeated in the primary this month by means of Warren Township supervisor Suzanne Simpson.

"[Geo-Karis] has always been a vigorous and consistent voice for the the public of her district," Jones said in a prepared statement.

tswartz@suntimes.com

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