April 9, 2024 – Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is spearheading legislation to enhance penalties against people who threaten libraries. House Bill 4567 heads to the House floor after passing a committee last week.
Under the proposed law individuals who send two “threatening messages” by electronic media would be subject to a Class 2 felony. HB4567 also enhances penalties for individuals who make threats to not just librarians and library employees, but library buildings.
Giannoulias, who also serves as the state librarian, said he is proud of the bill and takes violence against libraries seriously. Giannoulias said there’s been an escalation of violence seeking to censor and restrict information.
“This is harmful, not only to these public servants, but to our democracy as a whole. In the face of these threats, this bill highlights the commitment of our state to protecting library workers, access to information, and the free exchange of ideas,” said Giannoulias.
