HOUSE VOTES AGAINST WEAPONS COMPARTMENTS

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., May 11 (UPI) - The Illinois House gave final legislative
approval to a measure allowing police to seize cars that contain weapons or
other illegal items hidden in secret vehicle compartments.

The House today voted 85-15 to approve the bill, which passed the Illinois
Senate last month. It will now go to Gov. George Ryan for final approval.

The bill, sponsored by state Rep. Jack Franks, D-Woodstock, is intended to
stop criminals from storing guns and illegal drugs in compartments.

Compartments could be located in a door panel or under or behind a seat, and
are either hand-installed or hand-built by the manufacturer.

The bill would allow police to seize the car if a court determined the
person had criminal intent. The person also could be fined up to $500 and
receive up to 30 days in a county jail.

Critics said the bill does not limit the definition of contraband to
criminal items, and its language could technically include alcohol or
cigarettes when in a minor's possession or fireworks from another state.

State Rep. William Black, R-Danville, said he thinks there could be some
legitimate uses for secret compartments in cars.

``What if I want to hide my wife's jewelry while we're on vacation?'' he
said. ``How do we distinguish between the intent to hide from thieves and
hide from the police?''